The government sold its 75% stakes in PIA last month for Rs10.1 billion cash to the consortium, marking the completion of the first major privatisation transaction in two decades by offloading the white elephant. The prime minister congratulated the nation on the completion of the PIA privatisation process. PM Shebaz said that the entire privatisation process was "transparent" as the bidding box was transparent and the bidders had raised several billions during process. He further said the involvement of local entrepreneurs in the privatisation reflected a positive business environment in the country. Habib added that the people of Pakistan would be the foremost beneficiaries of the transaction, as airline services would be improved and new aircraft would be acquired.