Constitutional bench lifts order placing ban on PIA sale

The Constitutional Bench of the Supreme Court lifted its order blocking the privatisation of PIA, expressing confidence that the sale process would move forward transparently.

During the hearing, Additional Attorney General (AAG) Amir Rehman informed the court that the recruitment process for new professionals at PIA had been stalled due to the privatisation plan. 

He also mentioned that the European Union had lifted its ban on PIA’s flight operations, paving the way for the privatisation process to continue. 

Justice Khan expressed hope that the national carrier would secure a higher bid in the re-privatisation process.

In response to concerns raised by Justice Jamal Mandokhail, AAG Rehman assured the court that the government had filed an application to keep the court informed about the process, and the court expressed confidence that it would be conducted transparently.

Additionally, the court disposed of a contempt case against Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, with the Federal Ombudsman withdrawing the notice. 

The bench also dealt with other cases, including a petition regarding an IT university in Islamabad.