Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday directed the improvement of facilities for passengers, tourists, and overseas Pakistanis at the country's airports. He also called for an increase in the number of counters for international flights to reduce long wait times for passengers. Chairing a review meeting on aviation sector reforms, the prime minister urged the swift completion of the safety audit for the current calendar year. He reminded attendees that during his previous tenure as head of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government, an Aviation Act was enacted to facilitate reforms in the sector, according to a press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office. PM Shehbaz emphasised the need to fully implement all policy measures and reforms outlined in the Aviation Act, noting that these reforms had put Pakistan’s aviation sector on the right track. To promote tourism, the prime minister stressed the importance of providing top-notch facilities for passengers at Skardu International Airport and called for a detailed action plan to expand both Skardu International Airport and Gilgit Airport. He expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in the aviation sector, highlighting the installation of automatic immigration gates under the automated border control system as a significant convenience for passengers. During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the ongoing reforms in the aviation sector. It was noted that the separation of the Airport Management Authority and Civil Aviation under the Act was highlighted as a key measure ensuring more efficient execution of operator and regulator duties. Third-party validation for all new projects and initiatives was also being ensured. At Lahore Airport, the number of counters had been increased, and the waiting room expanded to enhance passenger convenience. The meeting was informed that work on the feasibility report for expanding Skardu Airport would commence shortly, and a request for proposal had been received for the installation of automated border control systems at airports. Additionally, suggestions were discussed regarding enhancing passenger facilities at airports nationwide and expanding private company flights for tourists within Pakistan. The prime minister instructed that these measures be completed within a designated timeframe, emphasising the importance of transparency throughout the process. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, and other high-ranking officials.
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