ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence on Tuesday directed aviation authorities to restore non-operational domestic air routes including flights to Gilgit and Dera Ismail Khan, at least once a week in the national interest, while also ordering priority handling and enhanced security arrangements for Hajj pilgrims.
The directive was issued during an on-ground inspection of Islamabad International Airport conducted by the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, chaired by Senator Talha Mehmood. Senator Maulana Atta ul Haq was also present.
The visit formed part of the Committee’s oversight agenda to review infrastructure readiness, passenger facilitation, operational efficiency, and security arrangements at one of the country’s key international gateways.
During the inspection, detailed briefings were presented by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the Airport Manager Islamabad, and the Airport Security Force (ASF), covering airport capacity, passenger complaints, security coordination, and ongoing and planned development projects.
Officials informed the Committee that Islamabad International Airport currently has the capacity to handle nine million passengers annually and cargo operations of up to 100,000 tons per year. The Committee was briefed on passenger complaints related to prayer areas, cleanliness, washrooms, and leakages, along with remedial measures underway. Authorities assured that runways and taxiways are subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure operational safety.
The airport’s passenger facilitation infrastructure includes a seating capacity of 5,343, 3,250 baggage trolleys, 9 prayer areas, 90 sets of toilets comprising 370 units, 17 baby changing rooms, two children’s play areas, and six charging facilities. Passenger movement is supported by 26 golf carts and six passenger bridges.
Security arrangements were also reviewed, with ASF briefing the Committee on screening systems, access control, and inter-agency coordination. ASF reported recoveries worth Rs. 10 million in January 2026, seizures amounting to Rs. 655 billion, recovery of 18 kilograms of gold, and seizure of 1,370 arms. A major security upgrade involving the installation of 3,000 AI-integrated surveillance cameras was also highlighted.
The Committee was further briefed on key development projects, including the establishment of general aviation areas, MRO and allied facilities by June 2028, construction of the Rainwater Harvesting Kasana Dam by December 2028, and multiple terminal upgrades scheduled throughout 2026.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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