The federal Govt decides to transfer the management of Islamabad International Airport to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The step is part of a wider plan to involve foreign partners in managing state-run assets.
The decision came during a Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT) meeting. The session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Officials confirmed that the transfer would be carried out under a government-to-government (G2G) framework.
A negotiation committee will now finalize the terms of the deal. The committee will be led by the prime minister’s adviser on privatisation, with support from the finance, defence, law, and privatisation ministries.
This move highlights Pakistan’s push to attract foreign investment and improve efficiency in key public facilities. The Govt decides on such outsourcing as part of its broader economic revival strategy, which also includes privatisation of loss-making entities.
Islamabad International Airport was inaugurated in 2018 but has struggled with operational and financial challenges. By involving the UAE under the G2G framework, officials expect better service quality, higher standards, and improved investor confidence.
According to officials, outsourcing airport operations to an experienced international partner will bring in modern expertise. It will also align with the government’s aim of upgrading infrastructure and boosting the aviation sector.
The meeting was attended by the petroleum minister, the adviser on privatisation, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, federal secretaries, and senior officials.
The Govt decides to proceed with such agreements at a time when Pakistan is actively seeking foreign partners to strengthen its economy and infrastructure. The airport deal is seen as an important step in that direction.
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