Pakistan has officially completed the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), with the Privatisation Commission transferring management control of the national carrier to the Arif Habib Corporation-led consortium.
The move marks a historic milestone for Pakistan’s aviation sector and concludes one of the country’s most significant state-owned enterprise reform initiatives.
The transfer of control was finalized after all conditions set out in the Share Purchase and Subscription Agreement (SPSA) were successfully fulfilled.
With the legal and financial requirements completed, the new ownership has formally assumed responsibility for the management and operations of the airline, paving the way for a new era focused on restructuring, improved efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
As part of the transition, a newly restructured board of directors has taken charge to oversee the airline’s future direction. The board has appointed Lt Gen (retd) Anwar Ali Haider, Managing Director of Fauji Foundation, as the first chairman of the privatised airline.
His appointment is expected to play a key role in guiding the carrier through its transformation and implementing reforms aimed at strengthening its operational and financial performance.
The completion of the privatisation process is seen as a major step toward modernising Pakistan’s national airline. The new management is expected to focus on enhancing service quality, expanding operational efficiency, improving the passenger experience, and restoring the airline’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
The transition also reflects the government’s broader strategy to encourage private-sector participation in key industries while improving the performance and sustainability of major public assets.
