Arif Habib Guarantees 12 Months of Job Security for PIA Staff

Arif Habib is stepping in to change the future of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). After his consortium won the Rs135 billion bid, he addressed the biggest fear in the room: what happens to the thousands of people who keep the airline running?

The new management has officially guaranteed that no employee will face termination for at least one year. This isn’t just a verbal promise; it’s a core part of the privatization agreement. For the next 12 months, all contracts remain exactly as they are.

Many expected a “slash and burn” approach, but Arif Habib is talking about expansion instead. His plan involves doubling the operational fleet from 17 to 38 aircraft. He believes a bigger airline needs more people, not fewer. Instead of mass layoffs, the focus is shifting toward “quality and performance.” If you deliver results, your job is safe.

The airline will move to a strictly merit-based system starting in April 2026. For those who struggle with new standards, Arif Habib plans to offer coaching and training. He wants to polish existing skills to bring back the “past glory” of the national carrier. The goal is simple: turn PIA into a profitable, world-class service again through professional governance.

While unions like People’s Unity still have concerns about long-term benefits, the immediate roadmap is clear. The consortium is injecting Rs125 billion into the airline. This capital will cover new engines, debt, and better cargo systems. Arif Habib is betting that with the right platform, the current workforce can lead this turnaround.