The long-stalled privatization of Pakistan International Airlines’ (PIA) Roosevelt Hotel in New York has hit another roadblock, as the process faces fresh delays amid regulatory and valuation hurdles.

⚖️ Key Developments

The Privatization Commission (PC) was expected to finalize the mode of privatization — either joint venture or outright sale — but internal reviews have pushed the timeline further.
Valuation issues and differing opinions within government bodies have slowed progress.
Concerns have also been raised over the hotel’s heritage status and potential diplomatic sensitivities, given its location in Manhattan, near Times Square.

💸 Financial Context

The Roosevelt Hotel, owned by PIA Investment Limited, has long been considered a prime asset to generate revenue for the cash-strapped airline.
However, the property’s maintenance and holding costs remain high, with critics warning that prolonged delays could further erode its value.

🏛️ Political Angle

Successive governments have debated whether to sell, lease, or redevelop the hotel.
The current administration has emphasized transparency but has yet to settle on a definitive transaction structure.

⏳ What’s Next?

A fresh timeline for the privatization process is expected to be announced in the coming months.
Until then, the Roosevelt remains in limbo — a potential lifeline for PIA’s finances, but stuck in bureaucratic delays.