{
  "id": 17072499,
  "title": "PM Shehbaz approves expansion of Jinnah and Allama Iqbal airports, eyes making Karachi 'air cargo hub'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/pm-shehbaz-approves-expansion-of-jinnah-and-allama-iqbal-airports",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T14:33:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn",
    "slug": "dawn",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2040729/pm-shehbaz-approves-expansion-of-jinnah-and-allama-iqbal-airports-eyes-making-karachi-air-cargo-hub"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved the expansion of Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, as per their respective masterplans, with the goal of transforming Karachi into an \"air cargo hub,\" according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The expansion decisions were made during a meeting chaired by the premier in Islamabad, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other federal ministers and senior officials.\n\nThe meeting was informed about a recent survey conducted by an international firm assessing the quality of travel facilities at major airports. The PM emphasized that no compromises should be made on quality during the expansion projects, ensuring they align with international requirements and receive third-party validation. Work on installing automated border management systems (e-gates) at major airports was ongoing, while an air cargo village was being developed to make Karachi an air cargo hub, the statement said.\n\nImproving passenger facilities at Pakistani airports was given top priority, with the PM directing the acquisition of services from internationally renowned institutions. Regular training for officers and staff in high-quality service delivery was also emphasized, along with enhancing coordination among entities at airports. The installation of \"smart scanners\" at all international airports to facilitate travelers was also mentioned.\n\nThe expansion of the runway at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi was completed, and in the past year, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) activated 14 airports to restore domestic flights. Additionally, the FIA increased staff and counters to enhance passenger convenience, introduced a meet-and-greet service at Islamabad Airport, and established pre-departure desks at major airports across the country.\n\nEarlier this month, Sindh’s Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah pledged his province’s full cooperation to the Pakistan Airports Authority for a major aviation development package, including a new greenfield airport in Sukkur and the expansion and modernization of Karachi’s airport. Last month, PM Shehbaz ordered the installation of \"smart scanners\" at all international airports to streamline traveler experience.",
  "summary": "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday approved the expansion of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport as outlined in their respective masterplans while seeking to turn Karachi into an “air cargo hub,” the PM’s Office (PMO) said. The directions were given at a meeting held in Islamabad under the premier’s chairmanship. It was attended by Deputy…",
  "key_points": [
    "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved expansion of Jinnah and Allama Iqbal airports.",
    "Expansion aims to transform Karachi into an air cargo hub.",
    "Smart scanners installed at all international airports."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}