Islamabad, December 23, 2025: The federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday approved key decisions related to the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and reiterated the government’s firm commitment to transparency, political dialogue, and economic reform.
A special meeting of the cabinet was held at the Prime Minister’s House, during which it formally endorsed the decisions taken earlier in the day by the Cabinet Committee on Privatisation regarding PIA, according to a Prime Minister’s Office news release. The cabinet also offered prayers for the smooth and successful completion of all stages of the privatisation process.
Addressing the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the privatisation of PIA would be conducted in a transparent, credible, and reliable manner. He noted that the bidding process would be broadcast live on television, with sealed bids placed in transparent boxes and envelopes opened only after price determination. The award, he said, would be made through a competitive process to the highest bidder.
“This is one of the largest financial transactions in Pakistan’s history, and therefore the entire process must be transparent and credible,” the prime minister said, adding that the final outcome of the bidding would be presented to the cabinet for approval. He urged cabinet members to actively participate so that decisions could be taken with collective wisdom.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of the relevant ministries and cabinet members in advancing the privatisation agenda, particularly commending the roles of the deputy prime minister, defence minister, and finance minister. Describing the day as significant for PIA’s future, he expressed confidence that a transparent process would strengthen economic management and enhance private-sector confidence.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed the government’s principled stance in favour of peaceful dialogue with all political parties for national development, prosperity, and political harmony. He recalled that he had personally extended offers of dialogue to all political parties on multiple occasions, while making it clear that any attempt to disrupt law and order under the pretext of dialogue would not be tolerated. “Dialogue can only proceed on the basis of legitimate demands and constitutional principles,” he said, stressing that political harmony was vital for Pakistan’s stability and progress.
During the meeting, the prime minister congratulated the nation on Pakistan’s victory in the Under-19 cricket championship, calling it a proud moment for the country. He also referred to the recent conferment of the King Abdulaziz Award on Pakistan’s field marshal in Saudi Arabia, saying the honour reflected the dignity and collective pride of the entire nation.
In addition to PIA-related matters, the cabinet approved several key policy and legislative measures. On the recommendation of the Petroleum Division, it approved the extension of the Off-Grid Power Plants Levy Act 2025 to include the sale of gas to captive power plants by third parties. To modernise public procurement, the cabinet granted in-principle approval for amendments to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Ordinance 2002, aimed at aligning procurement procedures with contemporary requirements.
The cabinet also approved the repeal of the National University for Security Sciences Islamabad Bill 2025 and constituted a committee to ensure effective consultation on private members’ bills and other legislation in the National Assembly. Additionally, it approved the National Cannabis Control and Regulatory Policy 2025 to promote regulated use of plant-based resources in the pharmaceutical and textile sectors.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Interior, the cabinet approved a visa clearance system to facilitate Pakistani citizens travelling abroad through a transparent and secure mechanism. The cabinet further ratified the decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases in its meetings held on October 20, November 5, and November 21, 2025, as well as those of the Economic Coordination Committee taken on December 18, 2025.
Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that national interest would remain the guiding principle of the government’s decisions, particularly in matters related to economic reform, political stability, and public confidence.
