Renowned businessman Arif Habib has revealed new details about the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), stating that Field Marshal Asim Munir personally engaged business leaders on the matter.
Speaking at a ceremony in Karachi, Habib expressed optimism about PIA’s future, saying “good days are coming for Pakistan.”
Addressing the gathering, Arif Habib said Field Marshal Asim Munir called him and other business figures regarding the privatization process of the national carrier.
According to Habib, Asim Munir stated that he wanted a Pakistani group to purchase PIA. Habib said he responded that if that was the case, then the military group should also join this “good work.”
Fauji Fertiliser now largest shareholder
Habib disclosed that the largest shareholder in PIA is now Fauji Fertiliser Company. He specified that Fauji Fertiliser holds a 33.9% stake in the airline.
This development marks a major shift in PIA’s ownership structure as part of the broader privatization drive.
Providing further details, Arif Habib said PIA is currently in negotiations to add 20 new aircraft to its fleet. He revealed that aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing have assured the airline that 10-year-old aircraft will be provided soon.
The planned fleet expansion is seen as a key step toward reviving the struggling national airline and improving its operational capacity.
'Good days for Pakistan'
Expressing confidence in the privatization process, Habib said everyone in Pakistan is happy about PIA’s privatization. He added that the restructuring of the airline signals a positive direction for the country’s economy.
“Hopefully good days are coming for Pakistan,” he said.
