Azerbaijan invited to participate in PIA sale and infrastructure projects

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has invited Azerbaijan to participate in the privatisation of its struggling national airline, Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Ltd (PIACL) after an unsuccessful earlier attempt to sell it.

Earlier this month, Pakistan tried to auction the airline, but the only bid it received was rejected as it was 8.5 times lower than the minimum expected price. Now, the government is considering selling PIA through either a direct government-to-government deal or another privatisation attempt.

On Tuesday, Federal Minister for Investment, Privatisation, and Communications Abdul Aleem Khan extended this offer to Azerbaijan during a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayal Jabbarov.

In the meeting, they discussed investment opportunities and strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in sectors such as LNG, renewable energy, information technology, telecom, agriculture and energy.

Abdul Aleem Khan also highlighted the potential for Azerbaijan to invest in major infrastructure projects, including the Karachi to Sukkur Motorway (M6) which is a key route connected Pakistan’s seaports. He also highlighted trade potential between both countries.

Minister Jabbarov expressed satisfaction with direct flights between Pakistan and Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, which have increased tourism.

Both sides praised strong, brotherly relations between the two nations and hoped for further cooperation in future.

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