Pakistan has witnessed a historic economic milestone.
The Arif Habib PIA auction concluded successfully in Islamabad.
The consortium secured Pakistan International Airlines with a bid of Rs135 billion.
This marks Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades.
The bidding process was transparent and broadcast live nationwide.
PIA Auction Process Explained
The privatisation ceremony took place in the federal capital.
Three bidders submitted sealed offers initially.
Lucky Cement, Airblue, and the Arif Habib consortium participated.
Airblue exited early due to a lower bid than the reference price.
In the first round, Arif Habib offered Rs115 billion.
Lucky Cement followed closely with Rs101.5 billion.
After consultations, the open bidding round began.
The base price was set at Rs115 billion.
Arif Habib PIA Auction Final Round
Both top bidders competed aggressively.
Lucky Cement raised the bid to Rs134 billion.
Arif Habib responded with Rs135 billion.
This final offer secured the deal.
The Arif Habib PIA auction result was announced immediately.
Lucky Cement congratulated the winning consortium.
Alhamdolilah! A historic day for Pakistan 🇵🇰
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) December 23, 2025
It was our firm commitment to the people of Pakistan that speedy and concrete steps would be taken to privatise loss-making state-owned enterprises that have been a burden on the economy.
The successful completion of the transparent…
Investment Plans After PIA Privatisation
Arif Habib termed PIA a national asset.
He praised the airline’s skilled workforce.
The consortium plans major capital investment.
The fleet will expand to 38 aircraft initially.
Future expansion may reach 65 planes.
Employment opportunities are expected to increase.
Confidence-building among PIA staff remains a priority.
Management aims to restore the airline’s past reputation.
Congratulations to the winning consortium for the PIA bid, led by @ArifHabibLtd
— Ministry of Privatisation, Government of Pakistan (@PrivComPakistan) December 23, 2025
Official updates will be shared through authorized channels.
🌐 https://t.co/84NmfWfgZb#MinistryOfPrivatisation #PIA #Privatisation #Transparency #GoodGovernance #Pakistan #Aviation pic.twitter.com/UJjnAu6BvR
Economic Experts React to PIA Sale
Economist Khaqan Najeeb welcomed the privatisation.
He called it a necessary economic reform.
According to him, this move reduces taxpayer burden.
Losses of Rs50–100 billion annually may now be avoided.
پی آئ اے کا 135ارب میں بکنا ملکی معیشت پہ بڑھتا ھوا اعتماد ھے۔ انشا ء اللہ حکومت سرکاری تحویل میں کاروباری اداروں کی نج کار ی سے نہ صرف ھزاروں کھربوں کے نقصان سے نجات حاصل کرے گی بلکہ معیشت کی بحالی عمل تیز ھو گا۔
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) December 23, 2025
نج کاری کمیشن کو مبارک ھو آج کی ٹرانزیکشن آنے والے وقت میں مزید…
However, he stressed policy and regulatory improvements.
Operational efficiency remains a critical challenge.
Government Reaction to Historic Deal
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the transparent process.
He called it a historic day for Pakistan.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted investor confidence.
All bidders were local business groups.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also congratulated stakeholders.
The government believes PIA will regain global standing.
The Arif Habib PIA auction reflects growing trust in Pakistan’s economy.
Chairman of Privatisation Commission, Muhammad Ali, has just shared a major update on the sale of PIA. The bidding process is entering its final hours!#PIA #Privatisation #Pakistan #Aviation #BusinessNews pic.twitter.com/lh1fuObsHQ
— Ministry of Privatisation, Government of Pakistan (@PrivComPakistan) December 23, 2025
All corporate eyes on PIA privatisation, tomorrow is D-day.
— Kamran Khan (@AajKamranKhan) December 22, 2025
Behind the scenes drama has emerged. In a stunning development, Tabba Group flatly rejected a joint-venture proposal pitched by Arif Habib Group at a PM-led meeting last week – – a deal that would have split ownership… pic.twitter.com/TcCj1EMbxD
