Officials say privatisation of PIA is being carried out in phases as part of government’s broader economic reform agenda
ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Dec 23rd, 2025) The Arif Habib Consortium has submitted the highest bid of Rs115 billion for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as the bidding process for the national carrier continued on Tuesday.
The officials said the privatisation of PIA is being carried out in phases as part of the government’s broader economic reform agenda. Adviser to the Privatisation Commission Muhammad Ali said the government’s objective was not merely to sell the national airline, but to put it back on a sustainable footing and improve its overall performance. He added that the privatisation process is expected to attract much-needed investment into the country.
Muhammad Ali said the government aims to restore PIA to its past standing. He disclosed that bidding is being conducted for 75 per cent shares of the national airline, adding that 92.5 per cent of the proceeds from the bid would be spent on improving PIA.
He further explained that two-thirds of the payment would be made upfront, while the remaining one-third would be paid later. He also said bidders have been allowed to include up to two additional parties after the bidding process.
In the first phase of bidding, Lucky Cement submitted a bid of Rs101.5 billion, while Airblue offered Rs26.5 billion. The Arif Habib Consortium, however, emerged as the highest bidder with an offer of Rs115 billion.
Further steps in the privatisation process would follow in line with regulatory approvals.
