Pakistan International Airlines Set for Transformation under Arif Habib Consortium PM
ISLAMABAD : Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed confidence that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would achieve new heights under the leadership of the Arif Habib Consortium, emphasizing that the airline’s performance, punctuality, cabin service, and professional standards would improve significantly.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the signing of transaction documents between the government and the consortium, the Prime Minister congratulated the nation on the milestone and commended Arif Habib and his team as distinguished business ambassadors contributing to the country’s progress.
“The first priority of the new owners will be the comfort and safety of passengers,” the Prime Minister said, recalling PIA’s peak era in the 1960s when the airline was a prominent and widely recognized name in Pakistan and across global capitals.
He also appreciated the commitment of federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali for successfully executing the privatization process.
PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the transparency of the process, which was broadcast live, noting that bidding closed at Rs 180 billion. Out of this, the consortium will invest Rs 135 billion in enhancing PIA, while the government will receive Rs 55 billion.
“Through untiring efforts and innovation, the new PIA owners are expected to restore the airline’s past glory, delivering the best travel services and enhancing Pakistan’s global recognition,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and federal ministers. Advisor for Privatization Muhammad Ali briefed attendees on the key features of the privatization, stressing that the people of Pakistan would benefit from the improved services of PIA.
#PIA #Privatization #PakistanAirlines #ArifHabibConsortium #ShehbazSharif #Aviation #PakistanProgress #diplomatsWorld
