Govt takes World Bank on board over delaying PIA divestment

Following a botched attempt, the government has moved the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to the second phase and will now focus on the sale of power distribution companies (Discos) on priority in the first phase, notwithstanding concerns over preparedness. This was officially conveyed to a group of executive directors of the World Bank currently visiting Pakistan to touch base on Pakistan’s economic reforms, including the privatisation agenda as a follow-up to the Country Framework Programme (CPF) finalised last month with indicative assistance of about $20bn. The two sides will soon jointly hold implementation workshops to ensure the CPF takes off and is completed.