Outsourcing of Airports
ISLAMABAD: Investors from Germany, France, Netherlands, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Turkey, along with local groups, have expressed interest in the outsourcing of three airports in Pakistan.
The meeting, chaired by Minister for Defence and Aviation Khawaja Muhammad Asif, focused on the outsourcing of airports and the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
The federal government’s decision to outsource the major airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad was reiterated during the meeting. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) provided updates on the matter.
Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif directed the convening of an online meeting with Pakistani ambassadors in the aforementioned countries to actively engage with interested investor groups.
He proposed connecting local investors with international counterparts to enhance local investor awareness and participation in the bidding process.
Usman Akhtar Bajwa, Secretary of the Privatization Commission, briefed the minister on the marketing plan and initial engagements with international investors.
Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif instructed officials to visit the countries involved to establish active links with potential investors and bring interested parties to Pakistan for privatization discussions.
Furthermore, the minister pledged federal-level support for both transactions. The meeting was attended by the Secretary of Aviation, additional secretary from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other senior officials.
Earlier on March 21, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) extended the bid submission date for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport due to a lack of interest from bidders.
The new deadline for bid submissions was set for May 15, allowing interested investors additional time to participate in the outsourcing process.
