Business leader Arif Habib has clarified that a final decision has not yet been taken regarding the purchase of the remaining 25 percent stake in PIA. While the consortium led by him has successfully acquired a majority share, the issue of full ownership is still under discussion.
The Arif Habib Consortium recently secured a 75 percent stake in PIA after winning the privatisation process with a bid of Rs. 135 billion. This development marked a major step in the government’s plan to hand over management of the national airline to the private sector.
However, questions were raised about whether the group would also move to buy the remaining shares held by the government. Speaking on a programme aired by ARY News, Arif Habib said that although the consortium has expressed interest in acquiring the remaining 25 percent stake, no final decision has been made so far.
He explained that the matter is still being reviewed, and any future move would depend on various factors, including financial, operational, and regulatory considerations.
He added that the current focus is on stabilising the airline, improving efficiency, and addressing long-standing operational challenges. According to him, the transition process requires careful planning to ensure sustainable improvement in PIA’s performance.
The clarification comes amid public discussion about the future direction of PIA following privatisation. Industry observers believe that the private sector’s involvement could help improve services, reduce losses, and restore confidence in the airline.
For now, Arif Habib has made it clear that while full ownership remains a possibility, no commitment has been made, and the decision will be taken after thorough evaluation.
