Government steps up Islamabad Airport privatization process

The Pakistan government’s Privatization Board has formed a negotiation committee to oversee the appointment of a financial adviser for the privatization of Islamabad International Airport, according to an official statement.

The board reviewed matters related to the airport’s privatization in coordination with the Asian Development Bank, the statement said. A negotiation committee was constituted to discuss the terms and conditions of a potential agreement for financial advisory services.

The decision was taken under the Privatization Commission (Hiring of Financial Adviser) Regulations, 2018, and follows the board’s earlier decision to initiate direct negotiations with the Asian Development Bank.

The committee has been tasked with conducting negotiations in line with the applicable regulatory framework and will present its recommendations to the board for consideration and approval.

According to the statement, the transaction is intended to outsource airport operations under a concession model through an open and competitive process. The objective is to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery standards and ensure maximum value for the government of Pakistan.

Separately, the board approved the Privatization Commission’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year 2024-25, in accordance with legal requirements.

The board reaffirmed its commitment to conducting all privatization transactions in a transparent, competitive and principle-based manner to safeguard public interest and secure maximum value for the national exchequer.