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Pakistan delays bidding for national airline to Oct 31, sources state

The bidding for Pakistan's. national airline has been delayed to Oct. 31, two. federal government officials at the ministry of privatisation said on. Tuesday.

A Pakistani parliamentary committee of privatisation had. previously been notified that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). would go under the hammer on Tuesday.

The authorities, however, stated the bidding had actually been delayed. another month at the request of the bidders who desired more time. to prepare for the auction.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not. authorised to divulge the information before an official. statement about the hold-up.

A spokesman for the privatisation ministry did not respond. to a request for a remark.

6 parties have been pre-qualified for the bidding, which. included Fly Jinnah, Airblue Ltd, a consortium led by Pak. Ethanol (Pvt) Ltd, a consortium led by YB Holdings (Pvt) Ltd,. Arif Habib Corporation Ltd and Blue World City.

Pakistan's federal government has previously stated it would sell. in between 51-100% of the loss-making airline as part of reforms. urged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

(source: Reuters)