The government has included Islamabad International Airport in its privatization project.

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) Islamabad International Airport has been included in the government’s privatization programme under a long-term concession mode, and the government is looking into potential mechanisms for outsourcing airport operations in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, such as management contracts and long-term commercial concessions.

According to the Privatization Commission, Islamabad International Airport has been added to the active privatization project, following the existing process for Karachi and Lahore airports.

According to the commission, the government’s primary goals are to increase efficiency, improve service delivery, maximize income collection, upgrade infrastructure, and encourage local and foreign private sector investment.

It said that positive discussion is taking place with institutions from valued partner nations such as the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, as well as other international players.

The statement stated that these initiatives are consistent with Pakistan’s wider economic objective of promoting mutually beneficial collaboration aimed at modernizing the aviation sector.

The Privatization Commission further stated that it has taken note of certain false stories citing the cancelation of a planned deal for Islamabad International Airport and strongly rejects such news.
It stated that any reports about the cancelation of a leasing deal with the United Arab Emirates are inaccurate and misleading since no such agreement or lease has been signed for Islamabad International Airport or any other airport.

The commission stated that in November 2025, owing to substantial high-level demand from various investors in participating in these concessions, the government decided to switch from a government-to-government (G2G) method to an open bidding approach for all three airports.

It was highlighted that in this competitive procedure, both local and foreign investors would have an equal opportunity to participate in the bidding.

The ruling has no political or diplomatic background and is strictly economic and procedural in character.

The Privatization Commission further stated that the competitive process for airport outsourcing will stress inclusivity and encourage participation from all qualified companies, including those from valued partner nations, while giving equal opportunity to both domestic and international investors.

According to the commission, these principles seek to promote transparency and fair competition, achieve optimal economic outcomes for Pakistan, and enhance long-term ties with foreign partners.