The federal government has decided to pave the way for direct foreign investment in the country. In the first phase, three airports in Pakistan will be operated by international operators for a period of 20 to 25 years. The international operators will assist in running the airports of Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
Moreover, the International Finance Corporation will perform consultancy duties in this regard. International operators are expected to provide international standards of service at airports. The meeting directed the Public-Private Partnership Authority to initiate regulatory proceedings.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities to ensure that all processes are by the highest standards of transparency and the laws of the country.
Pakistan will not be the first country to implement a public-private partnership in the state. The formula is being implemented in 44 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Bahrain, and Brazil. Airports in these countries are being managed on the principle of public-private partnership.