Pakistan to outsource three major airports

• PM Shehbaz chairs meeting to review matters related to aviation.
• Airports in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore to outsourced under PPP.
• Outsourcing is "normal profit-seeking" practice, meeting informed.

The government on Friday decided to engage international operators to help run three major airports of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi with a view to attracting direct foreign investment and providing world-class facilities to passengers.

The decision was taken during a meeting, chaired by the prime minister, to discuss matters related to aviation and airports in Islamabad on Friday, a statement from the PM's Office said.

The airports that will be outsourced include Jinnah International Airport Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore and Islamabad International Airport, the statement added.

The premier also directed that in the outsourcing process, all departments concerned should take steps efficiently. He further said transparency should be ensured in this process.

The meeting was given a detailed briefing on the outsourcing of airports. It was informed that outsourcing airports are a normal profit-seeking practice throughout the world.

It was told that initially Islamabad International Airport and International Airport Lahore will be outsourced under a public-private partnership (PPP).

The outsourcing of airports would not only provide revenue to the government but it will also help improve facilities for international travellers.

Officials also briefed the meeting on the performance of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

It was informed that the PIA collected revenue worth Rs172 billion in 2022, which is the highest amount in the history of the national airline.

The meeting was told that four new A-320 fleets have been included in PIA, according to the statement. Moreover, the network of the airline has also been expanded.

The meeting was briefed that wide-body aircraft are being included in PIA's fleet.

Expressing satisfaction over the performance of PIA, the prime minister appreciated the role of Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique and relevant officers.