SHC Serves Government Notice Regarding PIA Privatization

The Sindh High Court has served notices to the federal government, Civil Aviation Authority, Pakistan International Airlines, and the privatization commission concerning the impending privatization of the national airline.

Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmed Abbasi, during Monday’s hearing of a case, requested clarification from the government regarding the potential privatization of the carrier, prompted by a petitioner challenging the privatization law before the court.

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The petitioner’s counsel argued that the federal government’s law amendment, granting authority to privatize the airline, violates the Companies Act, rendering it illegal.

In response, the chief justice questioned the concern of the Union and the future ownership of the company post-privatization.

Highlighting the case’s public interest nature, the petitioner’s lawyer urged the court to notify the government and summon its response. Consequently, the high court scheduled a response from all parties by April 03 and adjourned the hearing.

It is noteworthy that the government is advancing in privatizing the carrier, which has been causing significant financial losses to the public exchequer. The interim regime had made headway on the matter, hiring a financial advisor who submitted a report to the government. The government aims to privatize the airline by May this year.