Lahore: The People’s Unity of PIA Employees has approached the Lahore High Court, formally joining the legal challenge to the privatization of PIA, arguing that the process violates statutory and constitutional requirements.
A constitutional petition was filed through the group’s president, Hidayatullah Khan, and represented by senior advocate Nabeel Javed Kahlon. The matter was taken up for hearing on Thursday by Justice Khalid Owais, who heard preliminary objections raised by the petitioner.
Following the hearing, the court referred the case to the Privatization Commission, directing its secretary to hear the employees’ objections on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
Objections raised in the petition
According to the petition, the employees’ group has challenged the privatization process on multiple grounds, including alleged violations of the PIA Act, 2016, and Article 154 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The petition also raises concerns over the legality of steps taken during the privatization process.
The filing further questions the determination of Pakistan International Airlines’ sale price, citing a lack of transparency and procedural clarity in the valuation exercise.
Court directions to Privatization Commission
The court also directed the secretary of the Privatization Commission to review the legal validity of the entire privatization process of Pakistan International Airlines and submit a report to the Lahore High Court within seven days after hearing the petitioner.
Further proceedings are expected after the commission submits its findings to the court.
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