Renowned businessman Arif Habib stated that the largest shareholder in PIA is now Fauji Fertilizer, which holds a 33.9 per cent stake in the airline.
Speaking at a ceremony held at the Pakistan Stock Exchange to celebrate PIA’s privatisation, Arif Habib said that Arif Habib Group and Fatima Group together hold a 34 per cent share in PIA, while Fauji Fertilizer owns 33.9 per cent.
Arif Habib further said that Field Marshal Asim Munir invited them regarding PIA’s privatization.
He said that Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed the desire for a Pakistani group to purchase PIA, and he responded that if that was the case, then the Fauji Group should also be included in this noble effort.
He added that negotiations are underway with Airbus and Boeing to add 20 new aircraft to PIA’s fleet. Both Airbus and Boeing have offered to provide 10-year-old aircraft at an early stage.
In December 2025, a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation Limited successfully acquired a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines. The deal, valued at Rs135 billion, marked a historic step in the privatization of the debt-laden national carrier. The agreement included plans to modernize PIA’s fleet and improve operational efficiency. This privatization came after the government absorbed the airline’s massive legacy debt to make the deal attractive to investors.
Pakistan International Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, has struggled for decades with losses, debt, and operational inefficiencies. The privatization raises questions about whether this move benefits the government, employees, passengers, and the overall aviation sector.
