ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani consortium led by Arif Habib Ltd. which bought a 75 percent stake in the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plans to secure full control of the airline, a senior official of the firm confirmed on Sunday.
In December 2025, the consortium headed by Arif Habib Group secured a 75 percent stake in the PIA for Rs135 billion ($482 million) after several rounds of bidding, valuing the airline at Rs180 billion ($643 million). Pakistan had previously attempted to reform the debt-ridden airline, which had accumulated more than $2.8 billion in financial losses over the years.
Arif Habib Ltd. CEO Shahid Habib told Arab News that since the PIA’s privatization documents were signed in January, the group will formally take over the airline at the end of April. He said as per the by-laws, the group will have to notify the government whether it intends to buy the remaining 25 percent stake in the airline or “leave it with the government.”
“At present, their [Arif Habib-led group’s] stated position is that they intend to acquire the 25 percent from the government,” Habib said.
He said once the group conveys its decision to buy the remaining 25 percent stakes in the airline, it will have 12 months to complete the payment.
