Arif Habib Group moves to take full control of Pakistan International AirlinesThe consortium led by the Arif Habib Group has decided to take full ownership of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The group plans to buy the remaining 25 percent shares that are still held by the government.
The investors had already purchased 75 percent shares of PIA in December 2025 for Rs135 billion. This was a major step in the privatisation of the national airline. Now, they want complete control so they can manage the airline without government restrictions.
The remaining 25 percent stake is worth about Rs45 billion. The government has given the consortium 90 days to complete the deal, with the deadline at the end of April. However, according to the agreement signed earlier, the investors have up to 12 months to transfer the funds.
Shahid Ali Habib, CEO of Arif Habib Limited, said the transfer of full ownership is expected by late April or early May. He said that once the process is complete, PIA will work as a fully private airline. Government-appointed board members will be removed, and decisions will be faster and more independent.
The consortium includes several major investors. Fatima Fertilizer holds 34.1 percent shares, while Fauji Fertilizer Company owns 33.9 percent. Lake City Holdings has 16 percent, and the remaining 16 percent is shared by The City School and AKD Group. Together, they are supporting the airline with financial backing of around Rs125 billion.
The new owners plan major improvements. They want to reorganise operations, increase the number of aircraft, and improve customer service and punctuality. They also plan rebranding and raising more capital to make the airline profitable again and rebuild public trust.
PIA was founded in 1955 and became a public limited company in 2016. In May 2024, after approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the airline was removed from the stock exchange. It later became a subsidiary of PIA Holding Company Limited, which was created to manage the privatisation process. https://dmtn1.com/arif-habib-group-moves-to-take-full-control-of-pakistan-international-airlines/
