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Arif Habib

Arif Habib is a leading Pakistani businessman and investor, known for his visionary leadership. He founded the Arif Habib Group and shaped Pakistan’s stock market. Combining innovation and strategy, he built successful enterprises and earned widespread recognition. He continues to guide investments, support economic growth, and mentor young entrepreneurs.

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Latest News & updates

A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation emerged as the top bidder for a 75 % stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with a record-breaking offer of Rs 135 billion marking one of the biggest privatization deals in Pakistan’s economic history.

After the auction, Arif Habib described the PIA deal as boosting investor confidence and economic revival, stating the new capital will help address long-standing operational and financial issues at the national carrier.

Major Pakistani publications confirmed Arif Habib’s winning bid in Islamabad’s PIA auction, underlining its significance for the country’s privatization strategy and private-sector participation in national assets.

Coverage highlights the privatization being part of broader economic reforms under IMF programmes, and positions Arif Habib as a key player in leading private investment into historically state-owned enterprises.

Officials state that Pakistan International Airlines will operate under new private ownership from April 2026, after regulatory approvals, and will retain all current staff with plans for fleet expansion and efficiency improvements.

Profiles of Arif Habib published in international media credit him with shaping the PIA privatization strategy and highlight his decades-long legacy as a major investment tycoon and industrial leader in Pakistan.

Career Highligts

1970
Started as a Stockbroker (1970)
Started as a Stockbroker (1970)
Arif Habib began his career at age 17 as a stockbroker at the Karachi Stock Exchange, where he learned...
1992
President of Karachi Stock Exchange (1992)
President of Karachi Stock Exchange (1992)
He was elected President of the Karachi Stock Exchange and computerised trading there, modernising Pakistan’s...
2000
Founded Arif Habib Group (2000)
Founded Arif Habib Group (2000)
He established Arif Habib Group and Arif Habib Limited, building one of Pakistan’s leading diversified...
2012
Acquisitions & Diversification (2000s–2010s)
Acquisitions & Diversification (2000s–2010s)
Habib strategically acquired stakes in state-owned and private companies across fertilizer, cement, steel...
2020
Leadership & Public Service Roles (2000s–2020s)
Leadership & Public Service Roles (2000s–2020s)
He served on key economic bodies such as the Privatisation Commission, Board of Investment, and helped...
2025
Modern Awards & Recognition (2025)
Modern Awards & Recognition (2025)
Under his leadership, Arif Habib Limited received prestigious awards for Best Investment Bank and Best...
2025
PIA Privatisation Win (2025)
PIA Privatisation Win (2025)
In December 2025, a consortium led by Arif Habib won a Rs 135 billion ($482 m) bid to acquire 75% of...

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What people say about Arif Habib

“Leading investors like Arif Habib reflect strong confidence in Pakistan’s economic future.”
Shehbaz Sharif
Shehbaz Sharif
“This transparent process, with Arif Habib at the helm, offers hope for a revitalised PIA.”
Muhammad Aurangzeb
Muhammad Aurangzeb
“This transaction can inject unprecedented new energy into the private sector.”
Mosharraf Zaidi
Mosharraf Zaidi
“Bringing in investors like Arif Habib ensures fresh capital and expertise for a turnaround.”
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
“This sale is a growing vote of confidence in Pakistan’s national economy.”
Khawaja Asif
Khawaja Asif
“Arif Habib’s acquisition of PIA is a decisive, visionary step for Pakistan’s economic reforms.”
Zubair Motiwala
Zubair Motiwala
“This outcome is a win for Pakistan and signals strong private-sector leadership.”
Shahid Habib
Shahid Habib

Awards

Civil Awards (Government of Pakistan) – 2024

Sitara-i-Imtiaz – Winner
For outstanding public service and contributions to business and the economy.

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) – Multiple Years

Top 25 Companies Award – Winner
Recognised repeatedly among PSX’s Top 25 listed companies under his leadership.

Euromoney Awards – 2025

Best Investment Bank for M&A (Arif Habib Ltd) – Winner
Also recognised Best Bank for Research in Pakistan.

CFA Society Pakistan Awards – 2021

Best Corporate Finance House / Best Brokerage House / Best Economic Research House – Winner
Clean sweep at the annual excellence awards through Arif Habib Limited.

Personal Life

Early Life

Full Name: Muhammad Arif Habib  widely known as Arif Habib, a leading Pakistani businessman and investor. 

Birthdate / Year: 1952/1953 

Birthplace / Hometown: Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. 

Background: Born into a Memon family whose roots trace back to Bantva, Gujarat (pre-Partition India); his family migrated to Pakistan around the time of Partition in 1947.

Education

Arif Habib’s formal education ended after completing the 10th grade; he did not attend university.

Instead, he entered the financial world at a young age, starting as a junior broker at the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) when he was about 17 years old in 1970.

Career Achievements

Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership

Arif Habib is the founder and Chief Executive of Arif Habib Corporation Limited, the holding company of the Arif Habib Group, one of Pakistan’s largest diversified investment and industrial conglomerates.

 

The Arif Habib Group operates in sectors including financial services, investment, fertilizer, cement, steel, real estate, energy, and commodities trading.

 

Group companies include Arif Habib Limited (brokerage & investment services), Fatima Fertilizer Company, Aisha Steel Mills, Power Cement, Pakarab Fertilizers, Sachal Energy Development, Javedan Corporation, and more. Arif Habib Group

Arif Habib has been one of the most prominent figures in Pakistan’s capital markets and corporate sector for decades, known for long-term investing and strategic vision. Stock Market Influence & Roles

 

He was elected President/Chairman of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) multiple times, and played a role in modernizing trading systems and expanding market infrastructure.

 

He also served as a Founding Member and Chairman of the Central Depository Company of Pakistan Limited and was on bodies such as the Privatisation Commission, Board of Investment, and Tariff Reforms Commission. 

Major Business Moves

In 2025, a consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation won the privatization bid for a 75% stake in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) with a bid of about PKR 135 billion (~$482 million)  one of the largest privatization deals in Pakistan in recent years. 

Philanthropy & Public Service

Arif Habib is actively involved in welfare and education initiatives. He supports and sits on the boards or trusteeships of organisations such as the Pakistan Centre for Philanthropy, Memon Health & Education Foundation, Fatimid Foundation, Karachi Education Initiative, Karachi School of Business & Leadership (KSBL), and others. 

Legacy & Impact

Arif Habib is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most influential businessmen and market leaders  a self-made entrepreneur who transformed early brokerage experience into a diversified corporate empire with strong influence across finance, industry, and philanthropy. His recent role in major national privatization projects highlights his continuing impact on Pakistan’s economy.

FAQ's

Who is Arif Habib?

Arif Habib is a prominent Pakistani businessman, investor, and philanthropist, known for founding the Arif Habib Group.

He was born on 14th April 1942 in Karachi, Pakistan.

  1. It is a conglomerate involved in financial services, investments, real estate, and industrial sectors.

He has served as Chairman of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) and is a leading investor in Pakistan.

Yes , Arif Habib is involved in charitable activities, supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.

His business interests include capital markets, cement, fertilizers, steel, and financial services.

  1. His business interests include capital markets, cement, fertilizers, steel, and financial services.

He began his career in finance in the 1960s and gradually built the Arif Habib Group into a major conglomerate.

He completed his early education in Karachi and pursued studies in commerce and finance.

He played a key role in developing Pakistan’s capital markets and continues to influence investment trends in the country.

Arif Habib Says:

“Even while I was building my career in business, I always felt that creating opportunities and contributing to the country’s economy was part of who I am. The trust of partners and investors encouraged me to move forward with confidence. As I work on new ventures and support young entrepreneurs, I hope to strengthen Pakistan’s future, but integrity and hard work will always remain the foundation of my journey, no matter how far I go.”

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