KARACHI: Pakistan has received qualification documents from five investor groups seeking to acquire a controlling stake in its loss-making national carrier, the Privatization Commission said on Thursday, as the government advances a long-delayed divestment plan.

The privatization of state-owned entities has been mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as Pakistan works to implement structural reforms and stabilize its economy, which has recently shown signs of macroeconomic improvement.

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), in particular, has survived for years on government bailouts, placing further strain on the country’s already cash-strapped finances.

The government invited expressions of interest in April for a stake ranging from 51 percent to 100 percent in Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), along with management control. The final deadline for submitting Statements of Qualification (SOQs) was today.

“The Privatization Commission received Expression of Interest (EOI) from ... eight interested parties,” the official statement said, adding that “five interested parties submitted SOQs by the deadline today.”

Among the groups that submitted documents are a consortium comprising Lucky Cement, Hub Power Holdings, Kohat Cement, and Metro Ventures; a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation with Fatima Fertilizer, City Schools and Lake City Holdings; Air Blue Limited; Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, which is a military-backed firm; and a consortium including Serene Air, Augment Securities, Bahria Foundation, Mega C&S Holding and Equitas.

The government had previously attempted to privatize PIA in 2024 but called off the process after receiving a single bid of Rs10 billion ($36 million) from Blue World City — far below the Rs85 billion ($305 million) floor price.

The sale was scrapped, citing the airline’s weak financial position and unattractive terms for buyers.

PIA has long been a fiscal liability, with operational earnings repeatedly offset by heavy debt servicing. However, following restructuring, it reported an operating profit of Rs9.3 billion ($33.1 million) in April, its first in 21 years.

“The SOQs submitted by the parties will be evaluated by the Privatization Commission against the prequalification criteria,” the official statement informed. “The prequalified parties will proceed to the next stage where they will be given access to the virtual data room to undertake buy-side due diligence.”