Ayesha Saba

In a major breakthrough in Pakistan’s endeavours to outsource its airports, Abu Dhabi–based investment giant ADQ has formally approached the Government of Pakistan for collaboration under a G2G framework for the management and operation of Islamabad Airport. According to the documents available with Wealth Pakistan, ADQ conducted multiple site visits and held several meetings to deliberate on the draft G2G framework agreement, which was vetted by the Law Division.

The government has also held exploratory discussions with other prominent international investment authorities to gauge their interest. A meeting was held on July 3, 2025, with representatives from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Ministry of Defence, and Pakistan Airports Authority. Preliminary information was shared, and QIA said it would review the opportunity with its relevant authorities, though a formal response was still awaited.

Additionally, a delegation from Saudi Arabia, comprising members from Saudi Pak Joint Business Council, visited Pakistan from October 7 to 11, 2025. On SIFC directions, detailed presentations were given to the delegation on Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad airports. The Government of Pakistan is awaiting further response or expression of interest from the Saudi side. Upon receiving a summary from the Cabinet Committee on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions (CCoIGCT), the federal cabinet has constituted a high-level negotiation committee.

Chaired by the advisor to the minister for privatization, the committee has been mandated to negotiate the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport with ADQ. A Pakistani delegation, led by the advisor to the prime minister on privatization, and including senior officials from Ministry of Defence and Pakistan Airports Authority, is scheduled to visit the UAE to meet with ADQ leadership and deliberate on the draft agreement.

The Government of Pakistan is actively pursuing its strategy to outsource landside operations and management of three major international airports in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Pakistan Aviation Authority will retain control of airside operations, including air navigation charges and landing fees. Meanwhile, the private operator or concessionaire will manage passenger-related, aeronautical, airport, and non-aeronautical charges, covering areas such as terminals and passenger services.

The outsourcing initiative is a cornerstone of the government's policy to modernize key national infrastructure through strategic partnerships. The federal government remains committed to ensuring transparency, competitiveness, and adherence to international standards in the outsourcing of airport operations to transform Pakistan’s major airports into modern, efficient, and investor-friendly hubs.

Credit: INP-WealthPk