The Pakistan government has approved the transfer of management of Islamabad International Airport to the United Arab Emirates. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
Government-to-Government Model
The committee agreed to finalize arrangements with the UAE under a government-to-government framework. A negotiation committee will now be formed, led by the prime minister’s advisor on privatisation and including representatives from the ministries of defence, finance, law and justice, and privatisation.
Goal of the Agreement
According to officials, the transfer of operations is aimed at attracting foreign investment while improving efficiency at Pakistan’s main international gateway. The government believes that involving the UAE, which manages some of the world’s busiest and most advanced airports, will help upgrade services and performance at Islamabad International Airport.
Background of the Airport
Inaugurated in 2018, Islamabad International Airport was built to handle growing passenger traffic but has struggled with both operational challenges and financial strain. Officials expect the UAE’s expertise to address these shortcomings and bring the airport in line with global standards.
What Happens Next
The negotiation committee will begin discussions with the UAE government to finalize the terms of the agreement. Once completed, the UAE will take over operations of the airport, marking the first major privatization of its kind in Pakistan’s aviation sector.
