ISLAMABAD: The Cabinet Committee meeting on Inter-Governmental Commercial Transactions has decided to hand over the operations of Islamabad International Airport to United Arab Emirites (UAE).
As per details, a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was held in Islamabad, decided to finalize arrangements with the government of United Arab Emirates through a G2G model for the transfer of operations of Islamabad International Airport under a framework agreement.
A Negotiation Committee will be headed by Prime Minister’s Advisor on Privatization and will include representatives from Ministries of Defence, Finance, Law and Justice, and Privatisation.
On August 10, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) rejected claims that Islamabad International Airport will be closed for eight days, clarifying that the reports are baseless.
Officials explained that flight operations were halted for short periods on certain dates to allow Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets to rehearse for the Independence Day flypast.
The pauses, each lasting around two hours, intended to maintain air traffic safety during the practice sessions.
A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the PAA provides the exact timings for the restrictions. Civil flights operated between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm from August 6 to 9, and again from August 11 to 14.
In a separate development earlier, the government decided to start a new train service between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The aim is to improve travel between the twin cities and to strengthen security for Pakistan Railways and its passengers.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held at the Pakistan Railways headquarters in Lahore. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi chaired the meeting along with Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi. Senior officials, including CEO of Pakistan Railways Aamir Ali Baloch and IG Railways Police Rai Tahir, also attended.
Naqvi stressed that foolproof security for railway tracks and trains will be ensured, especially in sensitive areas like Balochistan. He assured full cooperation for the Railways Police and said passenger safety remains the government’s top priority.
Minister Hanif Abbasi thanked the Federal Reserve Police for helping to remove encroachments from railway land. It was also decided that the National Constabulary, Frontier Corps (FC), and Railways Police will conduct joint operations against illegal occupations on railway property.
The meeting highlighted plans for long-term railway modernisation. This includes advanced security systems, emergency readiness, and improved passenger services. Six major routes in Punjab are under review for upgrades, including a high-speed train service between Lahore and Islamabad.
Officials confirmed that the Rawalpindi–Islamabad train service will help reduce road traffic pressure and give citizens an affordable and regular transport option. Details about fares, schedules, and station facilities are expected soon. CCTV cameras, additional security staff, and anti-encroachment drives will also begin in the coming weeks.
The government said these steps mark an important move towards modernising Pakistan Railways. The focus will be on faster travel, better services, and safer infrastructure.
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