Ahsan Iqbal, the Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, chaired a progress review meeting with the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A). He specifically instructed the Aviation Ministry to accelerate the outsourcing of operations for the Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports.
The meeting focused on thirteen key public interest projects mandated by the prime minister. During the meeting, representatives from relevant ministries provided project updates. He also emphasized the importance of quickly completing this privatization process for the three major airports.
The aviation joint secretary briefed the meeting on the progress of airport outsourcing. Bids for Islamabad International Airport are currently under review by the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Technical Evaluation Committee. Due diligence reports for both Lahore and Karachi airports have been submitted to the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A).
The meeting also acknowledged that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has paused expansion work at Lahore airport, per the prime minister’s directive, and is in talks with a company based in the United Arab Emirates, with a meeting expected shortly.
Separately, the minister directed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) secretary to prepare a targeted agenda. This agenda will focus on reviewing the timelines for projects worth Rs. 29 billion signed with investment-friendly nations, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan.
The minister said:
Foreign investment can be efficiently harnessed by developing bankable commercial propositions targeted at export expansion, which will significantly benefit Pakistan. The strategic mission of SIFC must be achieved in its true spirit.
Improving cargo efficiency at Karachi Port was also a key topic of discussion, with a focus on developing a new freight corridor. Minister Iqbal directed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to schedule a meeting with Karachi Port Trust officials. He stressed the current operational challenges, noting the port’s restricted seven-hour window for cargo movement, which necessitates strict truck scheduling.
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