Islamabad: The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan announced on Saturday that the outsourcing of the country’s three major airports — Islamabad International Airport, Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, and Jinnah International Airport in Karachi — will now proceed through an open bidding process. The move follows heightened interest from domestic and international investors.
Previously managed through government-to-government (G2G) arrangements, the shift to open bidding aims to create a transparent and competitive framework, allowing all eligible local and foreign investors an equal opportunity to participate. The commission stated that this approach is intended to maximize economic benefits, improve service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency at the airports.
The competitive process will prioritize inclusivity, welcoming participation from investors in partner countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, and Saudi Arabia, alongside other international and domestic stakeholders. According to the commission, the initiative is designed to strengthen international partnerships while fostering private sector investment in Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure.
The government has been exploring various models for airport outsourcing, including management contracts and long-term commercial concessions. Islamabad International Airport is now part of the active privatisation program, in line with the ongoing processes for the airports in Karachi and Lahore.
Officials said the primary objectives of the move are to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, improve operational efficiency, and enhance passenger services. The commission emphasized that the process will be conducted in a transparent, fair, and structured manner, aligning with Pakistan’s broader economic vision and efforts to modernize its aviation sector.
The open bidding process is expected to generate competitive interest, delivering benefits both for the government and the aviation industry while encouraging a more investor-friendly environment for long-term development.
Samra Zulfiqar, a real estate analyst at Zameen.com, is passionate about finding projects that offer buyers the best returns. Her keen insights spotlight the market’s most promising opportunities.
