Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the establishment of separate immigration counters for foreign passengers at all international airports across Pakistan. The move aims to streamline travel procedures, promote tourism, and support foreign investment and business activity in the country.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, this initiative is designed to create a more tourist- and investor-friendly environment in Pakistan. The government believes that by reducing wait times and improving immigration processing efficiency, the country can become a more appealing destination for international visitors and business delegations.
The establishment of dedicated immigration counters will not only benefit foreign travelers but also reduce the burden on existing facilities, thereby facilitating faster clearance for returning Pakistani citizens.
The directive is part of a broader national strategy to enhance Pakistan’s appeal on the global stage. The separate counters will help eliminate bottlenecks at immigration points, which have long been a concern for tourists, foreign investors, and overseas Pakistanis arriving for business or family visits.
Airport Infrastructure Developments Approved
In addition to the immigration initiative, the Pakistan Airports Authority has approved a series of significant infrastructure upgrades aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation capacity. These developments include transforming several domestic airports into international-standard facilities.
Sukkur Airport is set to undergo major expansion, including the extension of its runway to meet international aviation requirements. This upgrade is intended to improve regional connectivity and accommodate larger aircraft, ultimately enabling direct international flights.
Similarly, Dera Ismail Khan Airport is scheduled for a complete overhaul. The plan involves reconstructing the airport to modern standards, ensuring that it can efficiently handle international passenger traffic and improve travel access for the surrounding regions.
Rahim Yar Khan Airport is also on the list for enhancement. The approved plans involve renovating terminal infrastructure and extending the existing runway to support expanded operations and larger aircraft.
Furthermore, the federal government is currently evaluating the feasibility of constructing a brand-new airport in Mirpur. A final decision on this project will be made following the completion of the ongoing feasibility study.
These infrastructure advancements were formally approved in the latest board meeting of the Pakistan Airports Authority. The upgrades are part of a broader effort to elevate the country’s aviation standards and improve international accessibility.
Boosting Tourism, Investment, and Global Confidence
Both the immigration facilitation measures and the infrastructure improvements align with Pakistan’s long-term vision to position itself as a hub for tourism, trade, and foreign investment. By investing in airport capacity and easing entry procedures, the government seeks to send a strong message to the international community that Pakistan is open for business, leisure, and partnership.
These developments reflect a growing recognition of the importance of seamless travel in fostering international relationships and economic growth. As global mobility continues to evolve, Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its airport operations and policies signal its readiness to embrace future opportunities.
