Govt to accelerate outsourcing of
major airports
The government is prioritizing the
rapid outsourcing of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi airports, along with the
execution of other government-to-government (G2G) projects worth Rs29 billion
with friendly countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Azerbaijan.
This initiative is aimed at demonstrating the tangible outcomes of the Special
Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
In a bid to accelerate progress,
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal chaired a review meeting of the Public-Private
Partnership Authority (P3A) to assess the implementation of 13 directives
issued by the Prime Minister. These directives focus on the completion of key
public interest projects being processed under the SIFC, a civil-military body
designed to enhance government efficiency, particularly in promoting foreign
investment.
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made in outsourcing of Pakistani airports, informs NA Panel
The minister instructed the SIFC
secretary to prepare an agenda focused on reviewing the timelines for the Rs29
billion worth of projects signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and
Azerbaijan. A follow-up meeting will be held early next week to address any
hurdles and ensure smooth project execution.
To improve inter-ministerial
coordination and expedite project completion, Iqbal directed the formation of a
dedicated committee to establish actionable timelines for the pipeline projects
under P3A.
"Foreign investment can be
effectively harnessed by creating bankable, export-driven commercial
opportunities, which will greatly benefit Pakistan. The true mission of the
SIFC must be realized," said Iqbal.
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investors visit Karachi airport to explore opportunity in outsourcing
During the meeting, representatives
from various ministries provided updates on their respective projects. The
Ministry of Aviation was instructed to fast-track the outsourcing of Islamabad,
Lahore, and Karachi airports.
A senior aviation ministry official
reported that the Pakistan Airports Authority’s Technical Evaluation Committee
is currently assessing bids for Islamabad airport, while due diligence reports
for Lahore and Karachi airports have already been submitted to P3A.
As per the Prime Minister’s
directive, the meeting was also informed that the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) has paused expansion work at Lahore airport and is in talks with a
UAE-based company, with a meeting scheduled soon to discuss outsourcing plans.
Source: Dawn