PM’s aide Zaidi hails PIA bidding, 5G approval as reform milestones

WEB DESK: Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media, Musharraf Zaidi, on Tuesday highlighted major developments regarding the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the 5G spectrum auction, calling them a reflection of months of sustained effort by the government.

In a statement, Zaidi said the bidding process for PIA was completed while approval for the 5G spectrum auction had also been granted, marking a significant milestone achieved simultaneously. He added that both the PIA bidding process and the approval of the 5G spectrum auction were broadcast live, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency.

“Humbly, under the leadership of the prime minister, months of tireless work, careful policy deliberation and extensive negotiations are now beginning to translate into tangible results,” Zaidi said.

He expressed hope that these steps would pave the way for economic progress and improved opportunities for citizens. “May Allah bless the people of Pakistan with a modern, developed system and the best possible opportunities,” he added.

The remarks come as the government pushes forward with key economic reforms aimed at improving efficiency, attracting investment and strengthening the country’s digital and aviation sectors.

Bidding results to be revealed after 4pm today

The government is moving ahead today with the long-awaited privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), a step widely regarded as one of the most significant sell-offs of a state-owned enterprise in recent years. Three consortiums, led by AirBlue, Arif Habib Pvt Ltd and Lucky Cement, are competing for a 75 per cent stake in the national carrier after Fauji Fertiliser Company withdrew from the bidding process.

To prevent post-auction complications, the government has imposed a strict condition barring unsuccessful bidders from any future role in managing the airline. Privatisation Minister Muhammad Ali has clarified that losing groups will not be allowed to partner with the winning consortium later, leaving only non-bidding entities, such as FFC, eligible to join after the sale if they wish.

In the lead-up to bidding, reports surfaced of informal discussions between Arif Habib and Lucky Cement over a possible shared control arrangement. These talks, however, failed to progress after Lucky Cement reportedly rejected the proposal. Both the company’s chairman Muhammad Ali Tabba and a senior government official confirmed the interaction but stressed it was informal and not government-backed.

Sealed bids are scheduled to be submitted around 10:30am and opened at 4:30pm in a ceremony broadcast live to underscore transparency. Officials hope the presence of multiple bidders will help avoid a repeat of the previous failed privatisation attempt and mark a turning point for the struggling national airline.

Pakistan to get 5G spectrum by early next year

Pakistan is preparing to hold its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction early next year, a move officials say will significantly improve internet connectivity nationwide. Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that the auction is expected to be completed by the end of January or early February, as the government fast-tracks the process to meet rising digital demands. She was speaking at a press conference in Islamabad alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who confirmed that the Economic Coordination Committee has approved recommendations from the Spectrum Advisory Committee.

The recommendations will now be sent to the federal cabinet for final approval. Once cleared, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will issue an information memorandum and begin consultations with stakeholders and telecom operators to formally launch the auction process.

Khawaja acknowledged that Pakistan’s internet performance lags behind global and even regional standards, attributing the problem mainly to severe spectrum shortages. She said the country’s population of around 240 million is currently operating on just 274 megahertz of spectrum, likening the situation to running heavy traffic on only two lanes instead of eight.

She noted that earlier auctions released about 60 megahertz of spectrum, whereas the upcoming auction will offer nearly 600 megahertz, the largest in Pakistan’s history. Several new frequency bands will also be introduced, enabling improvements in 3G and 4G services and paving the way for the rollout of 5G technology.