Islamabad, 29 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved expansion plans for Lahore and Karachi airports, directing the relevant authorities to upgrade facilities in line with international standards and improve passenger services. Chairing a meeting in Islamabad to review airport expansion projects and passenger facilitation measures, the prime minister instructed officials to complete the projects within the stipulated timelines without compromising construction quality. He also directed third-party validation of reforms aimed at improving airport facilities and passenger experience, emphasising the need to engage internationally renowned organisations to enhance service standards. Shehbaz Sharif called for regular, high-quality training for airport officers and staff, improved coordination among agencies and the engagement of reputable catering companies to ensure food quality. The meeting was briefed on a survey conducted by an international firm to assess passenger facilities at major airports, as well as master plans and development projects for Lahore and Karachi airports. Officials informed the meeting that runway expansion work at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, had been completed. The prime minister directed that the expansion projects be executed according to international standards and approved schedules. The meeting was also informed that the Civil Aviation Authority had made 14 airports operational for domestic flights over the past year, while the Federal Investigation Agency had increased staffing and counters to facilitate travellers. Work on installing automated border management systems, known as E-Gates, at major airports is progressing rapidly. Authorities are also developing an air cargo village to establish Karachi as an air cargo hub. Meanwhile, a meet-and-greet service has been introduced at Islamabad International Airport, and the FIA has established pre-departure desks at major airports to guide passengers. The meeting further reviewed plans to upgrade an existing aviation institution in Hyderabad into an international-standard aviation university, with work scheduled to begin by February 2028. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister Dr Musadik Malik, Ahsan Khan Cheema, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Prime Minister’s Adviser Muhammad Ali, Members of the National Assembly Raja Usama Sarwar and Ali Zahid, Prime Minister’s Coordinator Sardar Yasir Ilyas, and senior officials attended the meeting.