Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori recently revealed that a group of traders from Karachi is keen on purchasing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), with plans to independently manage the airline for one year. This group is also contemplating the launch of a new airline, potentially named “PK,” to symbolize both Pakistan and Karachi.
Governor Tessori expressed support for the Punjab government’s initiative to establish a provincial airline called “Air Punjab,” highlighting that introducing new airlines could generate additional job opportunities within Pakistan’s aviation sector.
The interest in PIA’s privatization is gaining traction, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government also showing interest in participating in the bidding process. However, recent bids for PIA have not met the government’s expectations. The latest proposal from Blue World City, a real estate company, offered Rs. 10 billion (approximately $36 million), significantly below the government’s minimum asking price of Rs. 85 billion.
As discussions continue, the future of PIA and the potential emergence of new airlines like Air Punjab and PK could reshape the landscape of Pakistan’s aviation industry.