The Pakistan Airports Authority has approved handing over the management control of Islamabad International Airport to a Turkish consortium for a period of 15 years, according to sources in the Ministry of Aviation.
The decision to hand over Islamabad airport's management control to the Turkish Consortium, TERG, was made during a Board of Directors meeting chaired by Aviation Secretary Ahsan Mangi.
The Turkish consortium, TERG, had submitted a bid offering 47.25% of the project cost, which was subsequently approved by the board. Sources claim that the next step will involve seeking federal cabinet approval to finalize the outsourcing agreement.
In addition to Islamabad airport, the government is also planning to outsource the management of Karachi and Lahore airports as part of its broader aviation strategy.
Appointment of New PIA CEO
Meanwhile, the process of appointing a new permanent CEO for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also gained momentum. Out of 37 applicants, the names of Imran Aslam Khan and senior PIA officer Khurram Mushtaq have been shortlisted for the position.
The PIA HR department has forwarded the shortlisted candidates to the PIA Board, which will conduct interviews and nominate three candidates for the final decision. The prime minister will then select the new CEO for a three-year term.