Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has given the green light for the expansion of Lahore and Karachi airports according to their master plans. He instructed all concerned departments to finish the work within the fixed deadlines and to follow international standards strictly.
During a high level meeting held in Islamabad on airport expansion and passenger facilities, the Prime Minister made it clear that passenger comfort must stay the top priority at every airport in the country. He ordered that construction quality should never be compromised and asked for third party checks on all reforms meant to upgrade infrastructure and services.
The meeting looked at the results of a recent survey done by an international company that checked the quality of facilities available to travelers at major airports. Shehbaz Sharif called for bringing in well known international organizations to raise the standard of services. He also directed that officers and staff who handle passenger facilitation must receive regular training so they can serve people better.
Better coordination among different agencies working at the airports was another point he stressed. He said passenger convenience has to remain the most important factor in every decision. The Prime Minister further asked authorities to hire only reputable caterers so that the quality of food and drinks offered to passengers stays high and no compromises are made.
Officials presented the master plans of both Lahore and Karachi airports along with the proposed expansion work and construction timelines. The Prime Minister again told the relevant teams to complete everything on schedule and according to global standards. Officials also informed the meeting that the runway expansion work at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi has already been finished.
The meeting reviewed several ongoing development and upgrade projects being handled by the Civil Aviation Authority across the country. The CAA has made 14 airports functional in the past year so that domestic flights can operate again. Installation of automated border management systems known as E Gates is moving ahead quickly at major airports. Work is also in progress on an Air Cargo Village that aims to turn Karachi into a strong air cargo hub.
To make travel easier, a Meet and Greet service has started at Islamabad International Airport. The Federal Investigation Agency has set up pre departure desks at major airports to guide travelers in time. The agency has also increased staff and counters so passengers face fewer delays. In addition, an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad is being upgraded into a full aviation university that will meet international standards. Construction on that project is expected to begin by February 2028.
