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New owners of PIA are expected to take control from April 2026, following cabinet approvals, contract signing within weeks, and a 90-day financial close. Employees must be retained for 12 months with unchanged contracts. The deal prioritizes revival through fleet expansion, service improvements, and potential foreign partnerships, signaling broader reforms, reduced fiscal pressure, and enhanced investor confidence in Pakistan’s economy Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/arif-habib-consortium-wins-pia-privatisation-bid-at-rs135-billion/ Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once a leading carrier in Asia, has faced decades of financial turmoil, mismanagement, overstaffing, and massive debts exceeding $2.8 billion. Political interference, a 2020 pilot licensing scandal leading to international flight bans, and persistent annual losses burdened taxpayers with subsidies. Previous privatization attempts—in the 1990s, 2013 (halted by protests), and 2024 (failed due to low bids)—did not succeed. Recent restructuring included government assumption of legacy debts, workforce reduction, and lifting of EU/UK bans, making the airline viable. This sale aligns with IMF conditions under a $7 billion bailout, marking Pakistan’s first major privatization in nearly two decades. Bidding Process and Winner On December 23, 2025, a transparent live-televised auction in Islamabad saw a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation—comprising Fatima Fertilizer, City Schools, and Lake City Holdings—emerge victorious with a Rs135 billion ($482 million) bid for 75% stake, surpassing the Rs100 billion reserve and rivals like Lucky Cement. The government receives about Rs10 billion upfront, retaining 25%. Privatization adviser Muhammad Ali emphasized safeguards, including fresh capital injection to prevent collapse post-sale.

Islamabad, December 23, 2025 – The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has approved recommendations for Pakistan’s largest-ever spectrum auction, offering nearly 600 MHz of additional spectrum to revolutionize mobile broadband and enable the country’s first commercial 5G rollout. Massive Spectrum Release to Address Congestion and Enable Currently, Pakistan’s 240 million population relies on just 274 MHz of spectrum, far below regional standards, leading to network congestion and subpar internet speeds. The auction will introduce new bands for the first time, excluding 1800 MHz and 2300 MHz, significantly enhancing 3G/4G quality while paving the way for 5G services. Winning bidders will face rollout obligations, requiring network deployment within four to six months. The government has abolished Right of Way charges to boost fibre infrastructure, as less than 5% of the country is currently fibreised. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pakistans-5g-push-hits-pricing-roadblock-govt-caught-in-revenue-vs-rollout-dilemma/ Timeline and Stakeholder Consultations Ahead The recommendations, developed by the Spectrum Advisory Committee after extensive stakeholder consultations and international benchmarks, will now go to the federal cabinet for final approval. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will then issue an Information Memorandum, followed by negotiations with telecom operators. Officials aim to complete the auction by late January or early February 2026, with 5G services potentially launching six months later.Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasized a “Pakistan-first” approach, balancing fiscal needs with sector investment capacity. IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted alignment with the Digital Nation Pakistan Act and “Connect 2030” plan, targeting 100 Mbps average speeds in five years. This move supports broader digital transformation, reducing congestion and improving connectivity rankings.

Boeing, a leading U.S. plane maker, has petitioned the the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for an exemption to continue producing and selling up to 35 additional 777F cargo freighters beyond the 2028 deadline.In February 2024, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adopted these rules, aligning with global efforts under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to curb pollution from commercial jets. These regulations target new aircraft types, exempting those already in service, and aim to push manufacturers toward more efficient designs as part of broader goals to achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/us-approves-686-million-f-16-upgrade-package-for-pakistan-air-force/ The 777F, a dedicated freight version of the popular 777 widebody jet, is currently the world’s most fuel-efficient large freighter and the only one of its kind in active production. However, it falls short of the upcoming emissions standards.The request, filed on December 19, 2025, cites robust global demand for air cargo capacity—driven by e-commerce and international trade—and delays in certifying Boeing’s next-generation 777-8 Freighter, which is designed to comply with the new rules. The 777-8F is not expected until around 2029, following the delayed 777-9 passenger variant targeted for 2027.Boeing emphasizes economic impacts: large widebody freighters handled over $260 billion in U.S. air exports in 2024, with each exported 777F contributing about $440 million to trade balance. Without the waiver, potential losses could exceed $15 billion. This follows a similar congressional exemption last year for Boeing’s 767 freighter. The company seeks FAA approval by May 1, 2026, to avoid disrupting supply chains.The aviation industry faces growing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, with new international standards set to limit greenhouse gases from large aircraft starting in 2028.