Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, announced on Saturday that national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is the first institution in line for privatization, with others to follow later.
Speaking to the media after submitting his nomination papers for the Senate election, Aurangzeb stated that the government’s role is to formulate policies, not engage in business operations. He emphasized that the focus has always been on implementing and enforcing policies.
Aurangzeb justified the government’s plan to privatize loss-making PIA and other state institutes, citing the need for reforms and efficiency in these institutions.
He also mentioned discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to bring reforms to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which is the prime institution for tax revenue collection in Pakistan.
Expressing satisfaction with obtaining Pakistani citizenship, Aurangzeb affirmed his intention to remain in Pakistan beyond his ministerial tenure.
Earlier, Aurangzeb filed his nomination papers for a Senate seat in Punjab. The Senate elections for 48 vacant seats are scheduled for April 2 in the National Assembly, Senate, and the four provincial assemblies.
