ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (Focus Pakistan) —Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the Karachi Lahore airport expansion plans, ordering independent checks on construction quality and passenger services as Pakistan prepares to modernize two of its busiest aviation gateways.
He told the authorities to bring in internationally renowned institutions to lift passenger facilities and to validate airport reforms independently. His message was blunt. Passenger convenience comes first, and construction quality leaves no room for compromise. Both projects must finish on schedule and meet international standards, according to a statement the Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
An international firm recently surveyed facilities at Pakistan’s major airports, and officials walked the prime minister through its findings. The statement did not make those findings public.
Officials then laid out the Karachi and Lahore master plans, along with the timeline for each expansion project.
Shehbaz’s instructions went beyond concrete and steel. He asked for regular training of airport staff. He wanted the many agencies working inside each airport to act in step. And he told officials to bring in leading catering companies, so travellers get better food and drinks than they do now.
Runway done, 14 airports back in play
Officials reported progress on several fronts. Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport has completed its runway expansion. Over the past year, the Civil Aviation Authority activated 14 airports to restore domestic flights, the statement said.
The Federal Investigation Agency has added staff and opened more counters to ease passenger processing. Work on automated border control systems, or e-gates, continues at major airports.
Also Read: Pakistan Pushes Major Aviation Expansion as Ishaq Dar Orders Faster Airport Upgrades
Karachi has bigger ambitions on the freight side. An air cargo village project is moving forward, with the aim of turning the city into an air cargo hub. Islamabad airport, meanwhile, now offers a meet-and-greet service for travellers.
Aviation training also gets a push. The government plans to turn the existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an international-standard aviation university, with work set to begin by February 2028.
Billions already in motion
Thursday’s approval builds on a drive already under way. In February, the Pakistan Airports Authority unveiled a Rs100 billion plan for Jinnah International Airport. It covers a new terminal building and a modern cargo village, among other facilities, to handle rising traffic at the country’s busiest airport.
That same month, Karachi opened its rebuilt main runway. Upgraded to Code 4F standards, it can now take the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger jet. The PAA said it finished the job within 18 months.
Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport has its own centrepiece in the works: a new passenger terminal designed to add capacity.
Technology has moved alongside the bulldozers. Self-boarding kiosks went up at Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad airports in November 2025, letting passengers print boarding cards and clear immigration-related steps faster. In January, authorities began moving towards advanced baggage scanners at the same three airports to speed up screening.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting, as did Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also took part, along with Prime Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali and senior officials.
The plans now carry the prime minister’s signature. Passengers will judge the rest.
