Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has hailed the successful privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as a landmark achievement for the country’s aviation sector.
In a statement, Naqvi expressed confidence that PIA would now enter a new era of growth, professionalism, and competitiveness. “The PIA will now reach new heights of success,” he said, noting that the airline has the potential to regain its status as a symbol of national pride.
The minister highlighted that privatisation would address long-standing challenges and improve service quality, management, and the overall passenger experience. He added that these changes are expected to restore public trust in the national carrier and encourage travellers to prefer flying with PIA once again.
Naqvi also framed the privatisation as part of the government’s broader economic reforms and efforts to revive key national institutions.
Earlier, the Arif Habib Group emerged as the winning bidder for PIA, acquiring the airline for Rs135 billion after a competitive bidding process with Lucky Cement Group, whose final bid stood at Rs134 billion.
