Arif Habib Eyes Investment in Blue Economy After PIA, Holds Key Meeting with PNSC Management

Islamabad: Prominent businessman Arif Habib has turned his focus toward investment in Pakistan’s blue economy, following his involvement in the revival and privatization roadmap of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

According to a private media outlet, Business Recorder, Arif Habib recently held an important meeting with the management of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to explore investment opportunities in the maritime sector. The primary objective of the proposed investment is to better utilize Pakistan’s vast marine resources and contribute to national economic growth.

Pakistan’s maritime resources remain largely underutilized, contributing only 0.5 percent to the country’s GDP. Meanwhile, PNSC aims to expand its fleet from 10 ships to 54 by 2030, targeting annual investments worth $6 billion.

Earlier, Arif Habib had presented a roadmap for the revival of PIA, stating that all 34 aircraft would become operational by September 2026, compared to the current 17 active planes. He revealed that out of the Rs. 135 billion purchase price, Rs. 125 billion would be directly invested in PIA for the procurement of new engines and expansion.

Habib further said that additional aviation experts would be hired to support PIA’s expansion, emphasizing that all recruitments would be carried out strictly on merit.

The privatization of PIA is considered a key milestone in Pakistan’s broader economic reform agenda, aimed at reducing the fiscal deficit and strengthening the economy. Analysts note that reforms and investments in the blue economy sector are equally critical, as innovation and effective utilization of marine resources can generate significant employment opportunities and drive sustainable economic growth.