By Admin 
Pakistani Army managed to enter Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) through backdoor. This was already anticipated and it was confirmed on Thursday (December 25, 2025). Just two days before the bidding, the Army had recused itself as a bidder. Since then, local media and world media had started speculating that the purpose of withdrawing the name was not what it seemed.
According to Geo News, Arif Habib Consortium has announced the joining of Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFPL) in its consortium. Arif Habib has acquired 75 percent stake in Pakistan International Airlines by making the highest bid of Rs 135 billion in the auction held for the privatization process of Pakistan’s government airlines.
Consortium issued statement
The consortium said in its statement issued on Thursday (December 25, 2025) that this partnership will provide financial support and corporate expertise to the airline. It also said that Fauji Fertilizer will also be a part of the management along with Arif Habib Consortium. The consortium will invest Rs 125 billion in the first year to upgrade ground operations and overall services.
What is the relation of Habib Consortium with Pakistani Army?
If we talk about Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited, which is ready to become a part of Habib Consortium. After all, what relation does it have with the army? FFPL is a fertilizer manufacturing company of Pakistan established in the year 1978. This is a part of Fauji Foundation, which is associated with Pakistan Army. A total of four companies were part of the bidding process. At the last moment, FFPL distanced itself. There were many reasons for this.
The biggest thing is that Arif Habib Consortium bid Rs 4,320 crore more than the government had expected, whereas the government had estimated Rs 3,200 crore, it got Rs 1,320 crore more, this much certainly FFPL could not have done. Second, as per the prescribed rules, the losing company cannot even participate in PIA management. If this had happened then the dream of recently appointed CDF Asim Munir to interfere in the aviation sector would have been shattered.
Pakistani army wanted to save its reputation
Another important reason was to save one’s reputation. Actually, the path of privatization is being taken only with the help of IMF. Now if the Army had taken part in this, it would have sent a wrong message, because according to the terms of the auction only a private company could buy the stake. The fear of losing in bidding and being out of the game was the greatest. Getting out once meant missing out on any form of comeback. Munir simply kept the return path under his control, because one of the rules of the auction was that the winning company can make an alliance with anyone if it wants.
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