Islamabad — In a historic move for Pakistan’s aviation industry, business tycoon Arif Habib and his consortium have won the competitive bid to acquire Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the country’s iconic national carrier.
“This is a victory for Pakistan! PIA is our national institution, and we will restore its glory,” Arif Habib said after the announcement, emphasizing his commitment to modernizing the airline while safeguarding its legacy.
A Record-Breaking Win
The consortium secured the winning bid of Rs 135 billion, surpassing other competitors in a live auction that highlighted strong investor confidence in Pakistan’s aviation sector. The deal gives the consortium a 75% controlling stake, with the government retaining the remaining 25% for future sale.
Arif Habib has already outlined ambitious plans to:
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Expand and modernize PIA’s fleet, introducing more efficient aircraft.
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Improve service quality and reconnect with international routes.
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Protect jobs and create new opportunities for airline staff.
A Boost for Pakistan’s Economy
The privatization of PIA is being hailed as a major milestone for Pakistan’s economy, signaling renewed investor interest and offering hope for a financially stable and globally competitive national airline.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the development a “historic achievement”, adding that it will strengthen the aviation sector and contribute to broader economic growth.
Looking Ahead
With regulatory approvals expected soon, the new ownership will take over operations from April 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for PIA and Pakistan’s aviation industry.
Stay tuned as Pakistan’s national airline prepares for takeoff into a brighter future.
