Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan International Airlines is expected to achieve new heights under the leadership of the Arif Habib Consortium, with improvements planned in performance, punctuality, cabin services, and overall professional standards. He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony held for the signing of transaction documents between the federal government and the Arif Habib Consortium as part of the privatization of PIA.
The prime minister congratulated the nation on the completion of the PIA privatization process and praised Arif Habib and his team as respected business figures who have made significant contributions to Pakistan’s economic progress. He said passenger comfort and safety would be the top priorities for the new management, expressing confidence that the airline would regain its reputation for quality service.
Recalling PIA’s golden era in the 1960s, the prime minister said the national carrier was once a globally recognized airline with a strong presence in major cities around the world. He congratulated federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali for their commitment to national interests and for ensuring the successful completion of the privatization process.
He highlighted that the privatization proceedings were broadcast live and conducted in a transparent manner. According to him, the bidding concluded at Rs180 billion, of which the consortium will invest Rs135 billion to improve PIA’s operations, while Rs55 billion will go to the government. The prime minister expressed hope that through innovation and sustained efforts, the new owners would restore PIA’s past glory and enhance Pakistan’s image by providing high-quality travel services.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, along with senior military and federal government officials, attended the ceremony. Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali outlined key aspects of the PIA privatization, stating that the people of Pakistan would ultimately benefit as the airline’s services and efficiency improve.
