Ahsan Iqbal Urges Accelerated Outsourcing of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi Airports Operations
Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, chaired a review meeting with the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) to assess the progress of major public projects. During the session, he instructed the Aviation Ministry to expedite the outsourcing of operations for Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports. The meeting, which reviewed thirteen key projects mandated by the Prime Minister, highlighted the urgent need to finalize the privatization process for these airports.
The Aviation Ministry presented updates on the status of airport outsourcing. Currently, bids for Islamabad International Airport are under review by the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Technical Evaluation Committee. Due diligence reports for Lahore and Karachi airports have already been submitted to P3A. The meeting also acknowledged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has temporarily paused expansion work at Lahore airport in line with the Prime Minister’s directive and is currently negotiating with a UAE-based company for future collaboration.
In addition, Minister Iqbal directed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to prepare a focused agenda to review the timelines for Rs. 29 billion worth of projects signed with investment-friendly countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan. Emphasizing the potential of foreign investment, Iqbal said, “By developing bankable commercial propositions aimed at export expansion, Pakistan can significantly benefit from foreign investments. The strategic mission of SIFC must be fulfilled in its true spirit.”
Improving cargo operations at Karachi Port was another key agenda item. The Minister stressed the importance of enhancing cargo efficiency, with particular focus on developing a new freight corridor. He directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to arrange a meeting with Karachi Port Trust officials to address operational challenges, including the restricted seven-hour cargo movement window, which requires careful truck scheduling.
