Pakistan adds Islamabad airport to active privatisation programme

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has included Islamabad International Airport in its long-term privatisation programme and is exploring potential models for outsourcing operations at Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore airports, the Privatisation Commission said on Saturday.

The plans may involve management contracts and long-term commercial incentives.

As part of this strategy, the Islamabad airport has been brought into the active privatisation programme being implemented for Karachi and Lahore airports.

The commission said that the government’s key objectives are to boost operational efficiency, improve service delivery, increase revenue, upgrade infrastructure, and attract both domestic and international private investment.

The commission said it is in constructive talks with key partner countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, as well as other international stakeholders.

It said that these efforts align with Pakistan’s broader economic vision to modernise the aviation sector through mutually beneficial cooperation.

The commission also addressed recent reports suggesting a proposed agreement for Islamabad airport had been cancelled, strongly denying such claims.

It said no lease or agreement has been signed with the UAE or any other entity for Islamabad International Airport or any other airport.

The decision to include Islamabad airport follows high-level investor interest in November 2025, prompting the government to shift from a government-to-government (G2G) model to an open bidding model for all three airports.

Under the competitive process, all domestic and foreign investors will have equal opportunity to participate.

The Privatisation Commission said the decision is purely economic and procedural, with no political or diplomatic considerations.

The commission said that the process will prioritise inclusivity, welcoming participation from all eligible entities, including partner countries, while ensuring equal opportunities for local and international investors. The aim is to promote transparency, fair competition, maximise economic benefits, and strengthen sustainable relations with international partners.