Entrepreneur Azad Chaiwala has welcomed the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), calling it a major step toward transforming the struggling national carrier into a profitable, efficiently run airline. He described the move as putting the “giant dead whale” into the hands of real entrepreneurs and business professionals, signaling hope for the long-troubled airline.
Chaiwala praised the government’s decision as long overdue, noting that efforts to reform PIA have faced challenges for more than 20 years. According to him, the privatization provides an opportunity to eliminate inefficiencies, remove unnecessary privileges, and restore PIA’s reputation as a competitive national airline.
He emphasized that the newly acquired 75 percent stake should be managed with clear strategies to modernize operations, improve service quality, and make the airline financially sustainable. Chaiwala also suggested that the new consortium consider acquiring the remaining 26 percent government stake to gain full control, ensuring long-term stability and reducing future taxpayer burdens.
The announcement comes after the Arif Habib Consortium emerged as the successful bidder, winning the competitive multi-stage process for Rs135 billion. This step is part of broader economic reforms aimed at reviving PIA and attracting private sector investment into Pakistan’s aviation sector.
Chaiwala called the privatization a historic win for Pakistanis, giving hope that the airline can return to its former glory while providing better services, modern fleets, and job opportunities. The move is expected to bring efficiency, innovation, and renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation industry, benefiting both travelers and the national economy.
This historic transition positions PIA for a new era under private management, with the potential to become a competitive and profitable airline once again.
