Eight major business groups have expressed interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Federal Minister for Privatisation and Investment Abdul Aleem Khan said on Friday.
The interested institutions, including Fly Jinnah (presented by Arif Habib Corporation), Airbloom Limited, Shonksi China CIG Ltd, Jiri International Pvt Ltd, Younis Brothers Holdings Consortium, Pak Ethanol Consortium, and Blue World City Consortium, have submitted their Statements of Qualification and Expressions of Interest within the stipulated time.
The Privatization Commission will conduct a pre-qualification process as per the PC Ordinance 2000 rules, and eligible institutions will be invited to the next stage.
The federal minister extended the privatisation offers for PIA until May 17, allowing more time for interested parties to participate.
With eight major business groups expressing interest, the stage is set for a competitive bidding process, which will ultimately benefit the national airline and the country's economy.
