In letter to Centre KP govt wishes to participate in PIA’s sale bidding

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has written a letter to the federal government to express its interest in participating in the bidding process for the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has confirmed to The News when asked about the reports. “We have shown interest in buying the PIA,” Gandapur told The News. This correspondent later obtained an official letter that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government dispatched to the federal government’s privatisation committee in Islamabad.

The chief minister directed the Board of Investment and Trade of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to approach the federal government, particularly the privatisation committee by initiating the process of participation in the bidding of national airline.

“The Board of Investment and Trade Khyber Pakhtunkhwa extends its warmest regards to your esteemed office. On behalf of the chief minister/ chairman and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we would like to express our earnest interest in participating in the bidding process for the sale of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This letter serves as our formal intent to position the Government of KP as a competitive bidder in this strategic acquisition,” the letter stated.

The provincial government has stated that being Pakistan’s national flag carrier, PIA represents a critical asset for the nation, symbolising their national identity and pride. “Recognising the importance of retaining PIA within the national fold, the chief minister has directed us to actively pursue this acquisition to ensure the airline remains under the control of the Government of Pakistan rather than transferring to any private or foreign-backed entity. In line with this commitment, we are prepared to offer a bid that will surpass the current highest offer of PKR10 billion by Blue World Consortium, ensuring a strong and competitive position within this process,” the KP government explained in the letter.

“We respectfully request that the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s proposal be considered as a viable option to retain the national flag carrier within a provincial government structure, preserving PIA’s legacy and aligning with the public’s interest in maintaining national assets. Further, we would be honoured, if afforded, an immediate opportunity to meet with your team to present our proposal in detail, discuss our strategic vision for PIA, and elaborate on our capacity to meet and exceed the highest bids”.

In the letter, the KP government has requested the federal government and privatisation commission to grant them convenient time so they can sit with them and discuss in detail their plan of participating in the bidding process. “We are prepared to act swiftly and decisively in our pursuit of this vital national interest. Thank you for considering our proposal. We look forward to your positive response and the opportunity to serve Pakistan in this significant undertaking,” the KP government stated.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is believed to be the first province that has shown interest in buying the PIA, though the provincial government lacks resources for undertaking developmental projects in the province. The provincial government has long been demanding of the federal government to pay its long overdue billions of rupees that it owes to the province in terms of net hydel profit.