Business leader Arif Habib has clarified that no final decision has been taken yet on purchasing the remaining 25 percent stake in Pakistan International Airlines. While the consortium led by him has acquired majority ownership, the question of full ownership is still under consideration.
The Arif Habib-led consortium recently secured a 75 percent stake in PIA after winning the privatisation process with a bid of Rs135 billion. This move marked a significant step in the government’s plan to transfer management of the national airline to the private sector.
Following the deal, speculation emerged about whether the consortium would also seek to buy the remaining shares currently held by the government. Speaking on a programme aired by ARY News, Arif Habib said that although the group has shown interest in acquiring the remaining 25 percent stake, no final decision has been made so far.
He explained that the matter is still under review and any future move would depend on several factors, including financial feasibility, operational requirements, and regulatory approvals. He added that careful evaluation is necessary before taking such a major step.
Arif Habib said the current priority is to stabilise the airline, improve efficiency, and address long-standing operational issues. According to him, the transition process requires detailed planning to ensure long-term and sustainable improvement in PIA’s performance.
The clarification comes at a time when public attention remains focused on the future of PIA after privatisation. Industry observers believe private sector involvement could help improve services, reduce financial losses, and rebuild public trust in the airline.
For now, Arif Habib has made it clear that while full ownership remains a possibility, no commitment has been made, and any decision will be taken only after thorough evaluation.
