During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization, chaired by Senator Afnanullah Khan, Secretary Bajwa briefed lawmakers that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey have expressed strong interest in taking part in the airport’s privatization. He clarified that the government intends to proceed via open bidding, allowing the highest bidder be it a country or private company to manage airport operations.
The Secretary further stated that after Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore airports are also slated for outsourcing, and the process of appointing a financial advisor for Islamabad Airport’s privatization is underway. Senator Khan highlighted that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is keen to support Pakistan in managing airport privatization effectively.
Officials noted that privatization could free up the Civil Aviation Authority to focus more on improving smaller airports. The plan also includes relocating existing staff from the major airports to smaller regional facilities, ensuring a smooth transition without workforce disruption.
The meeting also addressed past hurdles in privatization. Bajwa acknowledged that PIA’s privatization in 2024 had not been completed successfully. Senators raised concerns about legal challenges and technical qualifications of bidders. While some lawmakers emphasized the need for aviation expertise, the committee clarified that the privatization process has received government and international approval, and all eligible consortia could participate.
Senator Bialal Ahmed raised concerns that some bidders lacked technical experience, citing previous disqualifications during earlier processes. However, the chairman noted that privatization rules differ from standard tendering procedures, and the process had been structured to allow fair competition while ensuring operational standards.
Officials also highlighted pressing operational challenges at Islamabad Airport, where entry procedures can sometimes take up to an hour, underlining the need for privatization to improve efficiency and passenger experience.
Senators debated the broader implications of outsourcing, with questions about whether the government was handing over public assets to private entities. Senator Afnanullah Khan emphasized that privatization or facility improvement is necessary to bring Pakistan’s airports in line with international standards, noting interest from both private investors and international financial institutions.
Secretary Bajwa concluded that outsourcing major airports could allow authorities to focus on upgrading smaller airports, enhancing overall infrastructure and service quality. Senator Bialal Ahmed suggested considering a simultaneous phase of outsourcing for all airports, to ensure cohesive management and planning.
