<p>Pakistan's election commission has halted the caretaker government's plans to privatise loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines, the <em>Dawn</em> newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources.</p>.<p>The election panel in a recent letter to the cabinet secretary, reminded the caretaker government of its role and limitations and sought all relevant documents, the report said.</p>.<p>The panel has also asked the government to "refrain from taking any further steps including signing of an agreement" about the privatisation of PIA or its entities, <em>Dawn</em> reported.</p>.Most polling stations in Pakistan's restive Balochistan declared 'sensitive' or 'highly sensitive'.<p>The election panel and the government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>.<p>Pakistan's privatisation minister earliertold Reutersthe government was close to selling the airline.</p>.<p>Pakistan, in deepeconomic crisis, agreed in June to overhaul loss-making state-owned enterprises under a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion bailout.</p>.<p>The government decided to privatise PIA just weeks after signing the IMF agreement.</p>.<p>The caretaker administration, which took office in August to oversee the Feb. 8 election, was empowered by the outgoing parliament to take any steps needed to meet the budgetary targets agreed with the IMF.</p>
<p>Pakistan's election commission has halted the caretaker government's plans to privatise loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines, the <em>Dawn</em> newspaper reported on Monday, citing sources.</p>.<p>The election panel in a recent letter to the cabinet secretary, reminded the caretaker government of its role and limitations and sought all relevant documents, the report said.</p>.<p>The panel has also asked the government to "refrain from taking any further steps including signing of an agreement" about the privatisation of PIA or its entities, <em>Dawn</em> reported.</p>.Most polling stations in Pakistan's restive Balochistan declared 'sensitive' or 'highly sensitive'.<p>The election panel and the government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>.<p>Pakistan's privatisation minister earliertold Reutersthe government was close to selling the airline.</p>.<p>Pakistan, in deepeconomic crisis, agreed in June to overhaul loss-making state-owned enterprises under a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion bailout.</p>.<p>The government decided to privatise PIA just weeks after signing the IMF agreement.</p>.<p>The caretaker administration, which took office in August to oversee the Feb. 8 election, was empowered by the outgoing parliament to take any steps needed to meet the budgetary targets agreed with the IMF.</p>