ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif directed that the facilities for passengers, tourists, and overseas Pakistanis should be further improved at the airports of the country, and the best facilities should be ensured for passengers at Skardu International Airport to promote tourism.
According to the statement issued by the media wing of the Prime Minister’s Office, a review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif regarding the reforms in the aviation sector.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif ordered that a comprehensive action plan should be prepared regarding the expansion of Skardu International Airport and Gilgit Airport.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed the concerned officers to operate more counters at domestic airports during international flights to save passengers from long waits.
He said that this year’s safety audit of the aviation sector should be completed soon.
The Prime Minister said that the implementation of all policy measures and reforms under the Aviation Act should be ensured.
He said that thanks to the reforms, by the grace of Allah, the aviation sector of Pakistan is moving in the right direction. The installation of automatic immigration gates under the automated border control system will provide more convenience to passengers.
The meeting was briefed in detail about the reforms in the aviation sector. During the briefing, it was informed that the Aviation Act 2023 was passed under the leadership of the Prime Minister during the previous government, and large-scale reforms are being implemented in the sector under the Aviation Act.
During the briefing, it was also informed that under the Act, the Airport Management Authority and Civil Aviation are being separated to ensure the efficient performance of duties of the operator and regulator, and third-party validation of all new projects and initiatives is being ensured.
The meeting was also told that the number of counters has been increased and the waiting area has been expanded for the convenience of passengers at Lahore Airport.
During the briefing, it was further informed that work on the feasibility report for the expansion of Skardu Airport will start soon, while expressions of interest have also been received for the installation of automated border control at the airports.
The meeting also discussed measures taken to improve passenger facilities at airports across the country and suggestions regarding flights by private companies for tourism in Pakistan.
