Date: 23/12/2025
Reporter: Shakeel Ahmad, Founder, Voice of Packaging
Contact: voiceofpackaging@gmail.com | +92 312 6421646
Website: www.voiceofpackaging.org
The Birth of a Business Empire
Arif Habib, one of Pakistan’s most respected businessmen, is the founder of the Arif Habib Group, a major conglomerate operating across finance, steel, cement, fertilizer, energy, and real estate.
He began his career in 1970 as a small stockbroker at the Karachi Stock Exchange. Through hard work, integrity, and sharp market insight, he rose to become a leading investor and industrialist.
He has served multiple times as Chairman of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, stabilizing markets during difficult periods. Through projects like Naya Nazimabad, he has also contributed to modern housing and urban development, providing employment and improving communities.
A Landmark Privatization: PIA
In 2025, Arif Habib made history by acquiring a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with a Rs 135 billion winning bid. This marked Pakistan’s largest privatization deal and a major step toward modernizing and reforming the national airline.
PIA: From 1953 to Today
Founded in 1953, PIA embodies Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a modern, connected, and sovereign Pakistan. The airline linked cities across the country and established international routes, becoming a symbol of national pride, progress, and global connectivity.
Despite decades of financial losses, mismanagement, and operational challenges, PIA remains a key institution in Pakistan’s history. The 2025 privatization by Arif Habib’s consortium aims to revitalize the airline, modernize operations, and uphold the founding spirit of nation-building and excellence.
A Legacy of Vision and Nation-Building
Arif Habib’s journey from Karachi streets to owning Pakistan’s national airline is a story of vision, resilience, and nation-building. Beyond business, he is active in philanthropy through the Arif Habib Foundation, supporting education, healthcare, and youth development.
