| Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has directed the aviation ministry to expedite the outsourcing of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports. Chairing a review meeting with the Public-Private Partnership Authority (P3A) on Thursday, the minister evaluated the progress of 13 key public-interest projects directed by the prime minister.
During the meeting, the joint secretary of aviation briefed attendees on the status of the outsourcing process. The Technical Evaluation Committee of the Pakistan Airports Authority is currently reviewing bids for Islamabad airport, while due diligence reports for Lahore and Karachi airports have been submitted to P3A. Discussions with a UAE-based company are also underway for Lahore airport, with a meeting scheduled soon.
The minister emphasized the urgency of addressing other national priorities, including reducing cargo congestion at Karachi Port by developing a new freight corridor. He instructed the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to collaborate with Karachi Port Trust officials and other stakeholders to streamline cargo operations.
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“The port operates under restrictive timing windows, creating inefficiencies. Developing a dedicated freight corridor is essential,” said Iqbal, further directing P3A to coordinate efforts with the Ministries of Commerce and Railways.
The meeting also highlighted the need to expedite food storage facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur to stabilize market prices and prevent supply shocks. The minister instructed the Ministry of Food Security to address non-functional facilities in these regions, stressing the importance of ensuring consistent food supply.
Meanwhile, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) was directed to resolve issues delaying hotel construction in Islamabad and accelerate land lease auctions for hotel projects. The CDA also provided updates on the planned construction of a modern slaughterhouse, with a feasibility study completed and bids for a transaction advisor set to open next week.
Ahsan Iqbal further instructed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to review timelines for Rs29 billion worth of projects signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan. “Pakistan must present bankable projects focused on export expansion to attract foreign investment,” he emphasized. |
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