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Pakistan Finalizes PIA Sale After Live Auction as Carrier Plans UK Route Return

A Karachi cyberfraud bust plus an opposition rejection of talks underscored the polarized backdrop.

Overview

  • A consortium secured 75% of PIA with a top bid of 135 billion rupees, and the prime minister hailed the process as transparent and in the national interest.
  • PIA sources said Manchester service has resumed and London flights are planned from March, with four weekly Heathrow slots already allocated and formal notice given for a March 2026 start.
  • PTI rejected the prime minister’s offer of negotiations, with party spokesman Sheikh Waqas Akram calling the outreach duplicitous as provincial voices also argued against talks.
  • Sindh authorities detailed an intelligence-led raid on an illegal Karachi call centre, arresting 15 foreigners and 19 Pakistanis and alleging about $60 million in fraudulent transactions.
  • Social media posts reported all three AirSial aircraft are grounded and a lawyer pledged court action, a claim that has prompted scrutiny but remains unverified by regulators.