Islamabad, Aug 23: In order to reduce passengers’ protracted wait times on international flights, Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif ordered the installation of more counters. He also urged concerned officials to upgrade amenities for travelers, passengers, and Pakistanis living abroad at all airports.
PM Shehbaz gave the order to finish the safety audit for the current calendar year as soon as possible while presiding over a review meeting on aviation sector reforms.
He recalled that an aviation statute was passed to support industry improvements during his last term as prime minister.
All policy initiatives and changes mentioned in the Aviation Act are to be followed, PM Shehbaz ordered, stressing that the aviation industry in Pakistan is progressing positively ‘because of’ these reforms.
The prime minister emphasized the need of offering first-rate amenities to travelers at Skardu International Airport and demanded a comprehensive action plan for the growth of both Skardu International Airport and Gilgit Airport in order to promote tourism.
Along with expressing happiness that the changes are helping the nation’s aviation industry grow, PM Shehbaz pointed out that passengers will find it more convenient when automatic immigration gates are installed as part of the automated border control system.
The Aviation Act of 2023 started extensive reforms in the aviation industry, and the meeting was fully briefed on these changes.
It was reported to the meeting that the Act’s division of the Airport Management Authority and Civil Aviation ensures a more effective performance of the operator and regulator roles. It was ensured that all new projects and initiatives would have third-party confirmation. To improve customer convenience, Lahore Airport has added more counters and expanded the waiting area.
It was announced to the meeting that the feasibility study for enlarging Skardu Airport would soon get underway. For the implementation of Automated Border Control systems at airports, a request for proposals (RFP) has been received. Suggestions for improving passenger amenities at airports across the country and increasing private business flights for visitors within Pakistan were also deliberated.
The prime minister stressed the significance of maintaining openness throughout the process and gave the order to finish these actions within the allotted period.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other senior officials, including Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Azam Nazeer Tarar, and Ahad Khan Cheema, attended the meeting.
