Print Print edition: 2026-01-31

Privatisation Commission wants to fast-track sale of Islamabad airport, 5 Discos

Published January 31, 2026 Updated January 31, 2026 08:38am

2 min

By Wasim Iqbal

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ISLAMABAD: The Privatisation Commission (PC) has projected to dispose of operations of Islamabad International Airport (IIA), ZTBL, 5 Discos and 2 GENCOs in current year on a fast-track basis. A parliamentary panel was informed on Friday.

Senate Standing Committee on Privatisation met under Dr Afnan Ullah Khan also took up matter of latest position of PIACL and future of its existing and retired employees, pensioners and their perks and privileges.

Secretary PC Usman Akhtar Bajwa informed the committee that the summary for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport and hiring of financial advisor (FA) would be moved for approval of Cabinet Committee on Privatisation (CCoP) and Cabinet.

He further said that initial explorations included potential government to government (G2G) modalities with partners such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, however, no formal agreements could be finalised.

Subsequently, it was deemed prudent to include all three airports in the privatisation programme and to pursue their outsourcing through a competitive process, he added.

He maintained the office of Markets Development and Public Private Partnership of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed interest in serving as FA citing its experience in similar transaction, such as the outsourcing of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in the Philippines. Members committee also grilled the privatisation of PICL.

Responding to question raised by Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan regarding Arif Habib had court cases of Pakistan Steel Mills and Aysia Steel Mills, Secretary said the cases against the bidder of PIA has been pending in the courts and could not be disqualified on litigation cases. He further said that Arif Habib was not blacklisted by FBR, SBP or any other financial institute.

Responding to another question, the secretary said that impact of exemption of general sale tax to Arif Habib-led consortium was part of Rs 100 billion reference price.

Bilal Ahmed Khan said that government neglected technical aspect and considered financial aspect of Arif Habib Consortium bid. He said the consortium did not have technical expertise to run the international airline.

The secretary, however, said that the consortium had hired a technical company with an aviation experience.

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