Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives for significant improvements in airport services across Pakistan, focusing on better facilities for overseas Pakistanis, tourists, and general passengers. The directives were given during a meeting to discuss aviation sector reforms, highlighting a strategic push to enhance passenger experience and boost tourism through upgraded infrastructure.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister ordered the increase of service counters at airports to reduce wait times for international flights and emphasized the need for a speedy completion of this year’s aviation sector safety audit. He also stressed on enhancing the facilities at Skardu International Airport to support tourism and called for a comprehensive plan to extend both Skardu International and Gilgit airports.
Further instructions were given to ensure the effective implementation of reforms and policy measures as per the aviation act. The Prime Minister also announced that new automatic immigration gates would be installed as part of the automated Border Control System, aimed at streamlining passenger processing.
During the meeting, updates were provided on various initiatives, including the separation of airport management authority and civil aviation to improve regulatory and operational efficiency. It was also noted that third-party validation is mandatory for all new aviation projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
Specific improvements at Lahore airport were highlighted, such as the increase in the number of service counters and the expansion of the waiting area, which have already been implemented to facilitate passengers. Additionally, the Prime Minister was informed about the impending feasibility study for the expansion of Skardu Airport.
Prime Minister Sharif directed that these measures be completed within a specified timeframe and underscored the importance of maintaining transparency in all undertakings related to aviation reforms.