Asif inspects Lahore airport, directs steps for smooth passenger facilitation

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif visited Allama Iqbal International Airport here on Sunday to review passenger facilitation arrangements and inspect ongoing infrastructure development projects.

Upon his arrival, the Defence Minister was received by the Acting Chief Operating Officer, Airport Manager, and other senior civil aviation officials.

During an inspection of the ASF Second Hold (International) Area, the Minister took strict notice of long queues of female passengers and directed the airport authorities to immediately establish additional search counters to expedite the security clearance process and eliminate delays.

Khawaja Asif also visited the newly constructed Immigration Area, where he reviewed the operational immigration counters and assessed the remaining construction work. The Acting COO and Airport Manager gave him a detailed briefing on ongoing development projects and temporary measures implemented to ensure smooth passenger processing during the construction phase.

Furthermore, the Minister inspected the International Departure Joint Search Area along with various passenger service facilities. Expressing general satisfaction with the overall arrangements, he emphasized the need to strictly maintain high standards of service delivery and passenger convenience.

Later, Khawaja Asif examined the under-construction Domestic Departure Area, receiving a briefing on the project’s overall progress, proposed amenities, and completion timelines.

Expressing concern over severe traffic congestion at the Departure Drop-off Lane, the Defence Minister ordered airport management to execute its expansion on a priority basis to ensure seamless traffic flow. He further instructed the authorities to maintain a careful balance between construction activities and routine airport operations so that public convenience is not compromised.