Following Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s interest in acquiring Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Punjab’s government, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has also expressed a similar inclination. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif revealed that Maryam consulted him about whether Punjab should acquire PIA or launch a new airline, potentially branded as “Air Punjab.” Sharif suggested consultations on the purchase, with a vision to offer direct international flights from major Pakistani cities.
The potential privatization of PIA, however, remains contentious. The airline’s privatization hit a roadblock after the sole bid by Blue World City fell short of the government’s Rs85 billion target. Additionally, any provincial acquisition would require substantial funding and may face challenges due to federal commitments with the IMF.
