The Pakistan government has handed over 11 properties worth Rs. 14.2 billion to the new owners of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). This move is part of the airline’s privatization deal. The properties include four in Pakistan and seven overseas.
The domestic assets are PIA offices in Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Islamabad, and Quetta. Overseas properties are located in India (Mumbai and New Delhi), the Netherlands (Amsterdam), Uzbekistan (Tashkent), and the United States (New York).
Privatization Commission Secretary Usman Bajwa shared these details with the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization. He said the new owners, a consortium led by Arif Habib, have already taken 75% stake in PIA. They paid Rs. 10 billion upfront and gained management control on June 29, 2026.
The buyers have promised to invest Rs. 80 billion to modernize the airline, expand its fleet, and improve services. They will pay another Rs. 45 billion for the remaining 25% stake within one year.
Out of PIA’s total 44 properties, only 11 were transferred. Important assets like the Roosevelt Hotel were kept by the government. Officials hope this privatization will help turn around the loss-making national airline and bring better efficiency under private management.
