Passengers to be facilitated at Lahore Airport
Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport is set to undergo improvements to
expedite passenger clearance, as directed by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Accompanied by Defense and Aviation Minister Khawaja Asif,
Minister Naqvi visited the airport on Friday and expressed dissatisfaction with
the existing facilities for travelers.
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In response, Naqvi instructed the increase in immigration counters
for outbound passengers and called for simplifying the lengthy and complex three-tier
search process.
Immediate resolution of immigration issues was mandated, along
with directives to enhance facilities and streamline departure procedures.
Following an inspection of the search process, Airport Security
Force (ASF), Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), and Customs were tasked with
presenting a comprehensive plan to simplify the search process within 24 hours.
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During his visit, Minister Naqvi engaged with travelers and
assessed other passenger facilities at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Pakistan is actively working to modernize its immigration system
and introduce technology to facilitate passengers. Plans to install e-gates at
various airports aim to streamline immigration clearance.
These efforts coincide with the decision to outsource management
of three airports in Pakistan: Jinnah International Airport Karachi, Allama Iqbal
International Airport Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport.
The Islamabad International Airport is slated for outsourcing for
a 15-year period, with final modalities currently under consideration.
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It was clarified that navigational services and runway operations
at these airports will remain under the jurisdiction of the Civil Aviation
Authority, as stated by former Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique in a
speech last July.
In addition to airport management, the government has also decided
to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), aiming to complete the
process by June of this year.
Source: Daily Pakistan