The federal government has officially approved the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with plans to sell between 51% and 100% of its shares.

The decision aims to reduce the financial burden on the national treasury and improve the airline's operational efficiency.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that PIA’s privatization is in the best interest of the country, as it will help unlock the airline’s full potential.

Following the privatization, the administrative control of PIA will also be transferred to private investors, ensuring that the airline is managed more efficiently.

The government believes that divesting its stake in PIA will not only relieve financial pressure but also allow the airline to operate on commercial principles without political interference.

The privatization move comes after years of financial losses suffered by PIA, which has been struggling with mismanagement, overstaffing, and increasing operational costs. The decision to privatize has been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a necessary step for the airline’s survival, while others fear potential job losses.