PM Shehbaz approves Lahore and Karachi airport expansion under master plans
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports under their master plans. He told officials to finish the projects on time and in line with international requirements.
- Expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports approved under master plans
- Projects to be completed within the set time frame and meet international requirements
- Meeting told runway expansion at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport is complete
- Civil Aviation Authority has activated 14 airports to restore domestic flights
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports under their respective master plans. He directed that the projects be completed within the stipulated time and be aligned with international requirements.
He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad on airport expansion and passenger facilities. The meeting was briefed on a survey of travel facility standards at major airports, recently completed by an international firm, and on upgrades and ongoing development work at airports across the country by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The prime minister directed that third-party validation of reforms be ensured for the expansion projects and passenger travel facilities. He also ordered the hiring of internationally recognised organisations to improve travel facilities at airports, along with regular high-level service delivery training for airport officials and staff.
He further directed better coordination among the agencies working at airports and asked that passenger convenience be given priority. He said good caterers should be hired, with no compromise on food quality.
The meeting was told that the runway expansion at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has been completed. It was also told that the Civil Aviation Authority has activated 14 airports over the past year to restore domestic flights.
Other updates covered the FIA, which has increased staff and counters to facilitate passengers and has set up pre-departure desks at major airports. Installation of automated border management systems, known as E-Gates, at major airports is progressing rapidly, the meeting heard. A meet and greet service has started at Islamabad airport.
The meeting was also told that work is under way on an air cargo village in Karachi to make it an air cargo hub. An aviation university of international standard will be built in Hyderabad, with work to start by February 2028.
Those attending included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Musadik Malik, Ahad Khan Cheema and Attaullah Tarar, and adviser to the PM Muhammad Ali. MNAs Raja Usama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, the PM's coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas and senior officials were also present.
Why it matters
Lahore and Karachi are Pakistan's two biggest cities, so airport expansion and better passenger services affect many travellers. The directives also cover immigration counters, food quality and staff training at airports.
