According to Khawaja Saad Rafique, Federal Minister for Railways and Aviation, the government aims to renovate major airports to meet international standards. He emphasised the importance of giving modern amenities to passengers in order to assure their comfort and happiness.
In a talk with a private news channel, he stated that the government’s goal is to improve basic amenities at airports and railway stations while also increasing revenue for the department, eventually leading to self-sufficiency.
The minister also revealed steps to improve security at train terminals. He emphasised the government’s commitment to improving airport authorities’ and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) services, assuring the?utmost convenience for travellers.
He also highlighted a three-year contract made?with the New York City government to run the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, USA, which is owned by PIA.
Moreover, the minister indicated that the government intends to outsource three international airports – Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad – but highlighted that outsourcing does not imply privatisation. Because no Pakistani enterprise possesses the necessary competence, the task of outsourcing the airports was assigned to the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC), a respectable organisation with relevant experience.
Rafique also indicated that airport improvements are already underway, including the development of Gwadar International Airport, which will be operational soon. ?
While responding to a question, the minister?confirmed that direct flights from Quetta airport to Makkah for Hajj pilgrims have commenced, making travel easier?for them.
He added that the government is taking practical?initiatives to