Bidding for PIA privatisation to take place with one bidder

The government of Pakistan is set to begin the bidding process for the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with just one bidder on Thursday. The move is part of efforts to raise funds and reform state-owned enterprises as part of an IMF bailout package. Concerns have been raised by potential bidders about government’s ability to stand by agreements in the long term, as well as issues related to policy continuity and reputation of PIA. The privatization of PIA has been a controversial topic in the past due to potential layoffs.