Press Release Title: Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Privatization presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 30th January, 2026

The Senate Standing Committee on Privatization met under the Chairmanship of Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan to review the budget allocation and utilization for the last six months under Rule 166 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate, 2012. The Committee also deliberated on the proposed budget for the next financial year, the post-privatization status of PIACL employees, and developments regarding the outsourcing of services at Islamabad International Airport (IIAP). The meeting was attended by Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan, Senator Khalil Tahir, Senator Umer Farooq, and Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan. The Committee reviewed the current budget utilization of the Ministry of Privatization and was informed that both the Privatization Division and the Privatization Commission operate with a limited budget, largely comprising employee-related expenditures. The Privatization Commission apprised the Committee of a proposal to enhance its annual budget to facilitate the hiring of market-based experts on competitive salaries, aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and expediting the privatization process in the coming year. The Committee raised questions regarding the need for new hiring, particularly in light of the successful privatization of PIACL with the existing workforce. In response, the Commission clarified that specialized market experts are essential, as a single expert can manage only up to two privatization projects at a time. It was further emphasized that sector-specific expertise, particularly for the privatization of DISCOs, is crucial. The Chairman appreciated the efforts of the Commission and agreed in principle with the proposal to hire experts to enhance its operational capacity. The Committee was also informed that the Ministry of Privatization has no ongoing Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) projects and, therefore, does not require PSDP allocations. The Committee held a detailed discussion on the privatization process of PIACL and examined various aspects of the transaction. The Secretary, Privatization Commission, informed the Committee that the entire privatization process is expected to be completed within a period of 90 to 120 days. Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan requested detailed information regarding the properties of PIA Holding Company Limited (HoldCo), including the total number of hangars, spare parts, and other technical assets. The Secretary Privatization Commission assured that the requisite data will be provided in the next meeting.  The Chairman Committee Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan commended the Ministry and the Privatization Commission on the successful privatisation of PIA. The Committee was further briefed on the outsourcing of landside services at Islamabad International Airport. Members highlighted the deteriorating condition of passenger facilities, including food services and restrooms, and observed that service delivery can be improved through outsourcing, as governments are not ideally positioned to manage commercial operations. The Commission informed the Committee that outsourcing airport services is a priority area.   The Committee recommended that outsourcing at major airports be clubbed with smaller airports such as Quetta and Sukkur to ensure uniform service improvements, rather than reallocating resources at a later stage. The Chairman directed the Commission to expedite the process and assured full support of the Committee for the enhancement of airport facilities and services. He also emphasized the importance of safeguarding passengers’ personal data during the outsourcing process.