CCP clears Arif Habib Consortium for PIA acquisition, says deal poses no threat to competition

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the acquisition of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by the Arif Habib Group consortium, clearing the first phase of the privatization process after a detailed competitive review, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Wednesday.

In its announcement, the CCP stated that the proposed transaction does not create market dominance nor reduce competition in any relevant market. The regulator noted that the aviation sector remains effectively competitive both domestically and internationally.

The commission highlighted that PIA’s market share has declined over time, while competitive pressure from other airlines continues to persist. It further clarified that the transaction qualifies as a conglomerate merger, as the acquiring consortium does not have direct business operations in the aviation sector.

According to the CCP, the privatization of PIA is expected to enhance the airline’s operational performance while easing the financial burden on the government.

The regulator said that its approval pertains strictly to competition-related aspects of the deal, adding that all other regulatory requirements and approvals will remain applicable before the transaction is finalized.