Wednesday, December 24 2025

New capital will help ‘resolve PIA’s problems,’ says Arif Habib
Terming the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) a “success for Pakistan”, renowned industrialist Arif Habib, the Chief Executive of Arif Habib Corporation Limited, on Tuesday said the transaction would help restore investor confidence and pave the way for fresh investment in the country. Speaking after the conclusion of the privatisation process, Habib said PIA carried a strong legacy and possessed a skilled workforce capable of supporting a turnaround under new capital injection. “PIA has enjoyed a fabulous legacy and was once ranked the second-best airline in the world. Many employees are highly competent and understand their work very well,” he said. He expressed hope that the inflow of new capital would help address the airline’s longstanding operational and financial challenges. “I hope that this new capital will help resolve the airline’s problems.”
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Related symbols: PIAHCLA (news stock)

Tuesday, December 23 2025

PIA all set for fresh bidding after failed privatisation attempt last year
Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) is all set to enter the bidding process tomorrow (Tuesday) for its privatisation, with three bidders expected to submit their offers to acquire management control of the national carrier. Meanwhile, Fauji Foundation has withdrawn from the process, a PIA spokesperson confirmed. The three bidders are: A consortium comprising Lucky Cement Limited, Hub Power Holdings Lim­ited, Kohat Cement Com­pany Limited, and Metro Ventures (Private) Limi­ted A consortium comprising Arif Habib Corporation Limited, Fatima Fertiliser Company Limited, City Schools (Private) Limited, and Lake City Holdings (Private) Limited Air Blue (Private) Ltd. This will be the government’s second attempt to sell the national carrier after an earlier attempt to privatise collapsed last year amid weak investor interest and unresolved financial challenges.
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Related symbols: PIAHCLA (news stock)

Wednesday, December 17 2025

Full PIA sale approved after bidders reject government's role in airline's affairs
The government has decided to sell its 100% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), but one-fourth of the shares will only be offered to the winning bidder at a 12% premium on the bid price, with an option to make the payment one year later. The government has also decided to take only 7.5% of the bid money in cash, while the bidder will invest the remaining 92.5% amount in the PIA company instead of depositing it in the exchequer, government officials told The Express Tribune. During the last failed attempt, the bidder had the option to pay 15% of the bid money in cash. The decision to offload a 100% stake has been taken after four bidders sought no role for the government in PIA's affairs once the successful bidding takes place on December 23, according to Privatisation Commission officials.
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Related symbols: PIAHCLA (news stock)

Thursday, December 04 2025

PIA will be put up for sell-off on 23rd: PM
In a move that many are calling the final blow to a once-iconic national institution, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Wednesday that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), long plagued by corruption and mismanagement, will be put up for privatisation on December 23. The announcement marks the official end of an era for PIA, which, for decades, stood as a symbol of national pride, but is now an emblem of decline and decay. The entire privatisation process will be broadcast live, ensuring that the fate of this once-flagship airline is witnessed by the nation in real time. In a meeting with potential bidders, the prime minister expressed hopes that the sale would be executed with “transparency and merit,” underscoring that the bidding process would be both open and televised, in an attempt to assure the public of accountability at every stage.
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Related symbols: PIAHCLA (news stock)

Wednesday, November 26 2025

Pak-Bangladesh flights to start in Dec
Bangladesh High Commissioner Iqbal Hussain Khan has announced that Mahan Air is likely to start three weekly flights between Karachi and Dhaka from next month, which will be a major step towards promoting trade and result in a significant leap in strengthening connectivity. Speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), the high commissioner said that visa process had been simplified as visas were being issued on the joint recommendation of LCCI and the Bangladesh Honorary Consulate in Lahore. "Visas will be issued to members within three to four days, making travel between the two countries faster and easier," he said. Highlighting trade opportunities, the envoy proposed that Pakistan could export rice to Bangladesh, while Bangladesh could supply fresh pineapples. He also pointed to the significant trade potential for textiles and readymade garments.
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