The government has confirmed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will retain its national identity and branding despite its recent privatization. Aviation insiders stated that the airline’s name and iconic logo will remain unchanged, ensuring that PIA continues to symbolize Pakistan’s historical and national legacy.
Authorities emphasized that while new investors will be allowed to implement administrative and financial reforms to improve efficiency and operations, the airline’s heritage, brand, and national character will be fully preserved.
On Tuesday, the Arif Habib Consortium officially acquired a 75% stake in PIA for Rs 135 billion, winning the privatization bid over the Lucky Consortium, which had offered Rs 134 billion. Under the agreement, the government will immediately receive Rs 10.2 billion in cash, marking the first significant privatization of its kind in Pakistan in the last two decades.
The move is expected to save taxpayers approximately Rs 35 billion annually in subsidies and operational costs while enabling the airline to modernize and operate more efficiently under private management.
