Pakistan Transfers PIA Management to Buyer Consortium After Privatization Milestone
Islamabad:The Government of Pakistan has officially transferred the management control of **Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)** to the buyer consortium after completing the first financial closing of the airline’s privatization process.
According to the **Privatization Commission**, all conditions of the Share Purchase Agreement, signed on **January 29, 2026**, were fulfilled within an exceptionally short period, paving the way for the formal transfer of administrative control.
The commission said the buyer consortium, led by **Arif Habib**, has already paid **Rs10 billion** to the government and invested **Rs80 billion** in PIA as part of its commitment to modernize and strengthen the national carrier.
It added that the consortium plans to invest an additional **Rs45 billion** over the next year before the second financial closing.
The consortium has also provided a written indication of its intention to purchase the remaining **5% stake** in PIA. Additionally, if it proceeds with acquiring the remaining **25% shares** under the agreed framework, the Government of Pakistan will receive another **Rs45 billion**.
The latest development marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to restructure and revitalize its national airline through privatization.
