Federal Minister for Privatization Aleem Khan on Sunday asked the provincial governments to allow Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has invited to run and said that if he gives his offer, the matter can be taken to the cabinet.
In the ceremony for the privatization of PIA held on October 31 at a private hotel in Islamabad, a bid of Rs 10 billion was made by the consortium of Blue World City alone, while the government set a minimum price of PIA 85. One billion three crore rupees was fixed. In case of falling short of the government’s recommended bid, the matter has gone back to the Cabinet Committee on Privatization, which will decide on reducing the government price after consideration.
Later, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government formally informed the federal government of its interest in the PIA auction on November 1. line While there were reports of Punjab government’s interest in buying the national airline.
During a press conference in Lahore today, Federal Minister for Privatization Aleem Khan was asked in this regard, to which he said, “It is very good if the governments of different provinces are showing interest in purchasing the national airline.” We have no objection to that, but I would be very happy to do so.’
He said that this is not a province’s airline, but the entire nation’s airline, but if Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh or Balochistan want to take PIA, I have no objection, run it in a professional manner. I invite the provincial governments to manage the airline and invite professionals from all over the world, keeping personal interests aside, it can become a profitable enterprise.
The privatization minister added that ‘provincial governments can jointly manage the national airline, if they give their offer, I can take the matter to the cabinet.’
‘My job is not to run PIA, it’s to sell’
Earlier, Privatization Minister said in his press conference that his job is to sell PIA, it is not his responsibility to run it.
According to Aleem Khan: ‘My responsibility is not to fix PIA but to sell it. If I had been entrusted with the responsibility of the national airline, I should have been held accountable.’
He also said: ‘I should not be told how to do things because I know how to do things better than all of them and I will take responsibility if there is any shortfall in the sales of the national airline, I will only take responsibility for privatisation. I can implement the law and not change it.’
Aleem Khan said that he has a national airline Privatization There is no option to change the framework of doing so as the framework of PIA was already created, in which Rs 600 billion was held and the process of privatization started with it.
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“The process of privatization of PIA had started months before I became the minister, so I could not change the process that had already started.”
According to the federal minister: ‘I can carry out the process of privatization only under the procedure I have set for privatization.’
Aleem Khan said, ‘Recently six bidders applied to buy the PIA but later due to certain conditions they parted ways and only one consortium submitted a bid which was unacceptably low. Could not accept all conditions of the bidder.’
In response to a question, he said that ‘I am ready to give an account of every single pie of the departments that I have.’
At the same time he said: ‘I did not do this situation of PIA and I have no role in what happened to PIA. Take a peek and find your part in sinking the national airline’s fleet.’
Privatization Minister said that PIA is our national asset, it cannot be sold at a cheap price, it was the best airline in the world in the past and it can still be made a profitable business.
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#objection #provincial #governments #run #PIA #Privatization #Minister
### Interview with Federal Minister for Privatization Aleem Khan
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister Aleem Khan. The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains a contentious issue. Can you tell us more about the recent developments?
**Aleem Khan:** Thank you for having me. Yes, despite the challenges we’ve faced, including a recent sell-off fiasco, our commitment to privatizing PIA has not wavered. We must find a way to attract serious buyers and ensure that this national asset is run more efficiently.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that provincial governments have shown interest in acquiring PIA. What is your stance on this?
**Aleem Khan:** I’m very encouraged by the interest expressed by the provincial governments. I believe that PIA belongs to all Pakistanis, and if provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Punjab want to manage it, I absolutely welcome their proposals. It’s essential that it’s run professionally by those who are capable and have the expertise.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that your role is to sell PIA, not manage it. Can you elaborate on that?
**Aleem Khan:** Certainly. My primary responsibility is to facilitate the privatization process. I believe that I should not be held accountable for the day-to-day operations of PIA. My focus is on the broader strategy and ensuring that we find the right buyer who can turn it into a profitable entity.
**Interviewer:** Considering the financial hurdles that PIA faces, how do you plan to attract better offers from potential buyers?
**Aleem Khan:** We’re working on reducing the government’s set price for PIA, which might encourage more bidders. Additionally, I urge provincial governments to devise their offers for a collective management approach. If they can present a solid plan, I will take it to the Cabinet for consideration.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, how do you feel about the current perception of PIA, and what message do you have for the public regarding its future?
**Aleem Khan:** I understand that the public has a significant emotional attachment to PIA, and I share that sentiment. However, we must face the realities of its financial situation. My message to everyone is to support this initiative for privatization, as it is likely the best way forward to restore PIA to its former glory while ensuring it operates sustainably and profitably.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister Khan, for your insights. We look forward to seeing how these plans evolve.
**Aleem Khan:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a positive outcome that benefits all Pakistanis.