Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad airports to be outsourced

ISLAMABAD: Three large airports of Pakistan — Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad — will be outsourced as per the new National Aviation Policy-2015.
The policy prepared under the directives of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by his Special Assistant Captain Shujaat Azeem and Federal Secretary Aviation Division Muhammad Ali Gardezi with the consultation of all the stakeholders will be announced tomorrow (Friday) in Islamabad.
The News has learnt the salient features of the new National Aviation Policy. These are that the investment in the aviation sector of the country will be exempted from tax. However, tax will be levied on revenues. An SRO in this regard will be included in the Finance Bill for the financial year 2015-2016.
First, the Lahore International Airport will be outsourced through a transparent process. An Open Sky Policy will be maintained but on a reciprocal basis. The Northern Sector’s airports of Gilgit, Skardu and Chitral will be outsourced to the private sector for the promotion of management tourism.
Two cargo villages will be set up in north and west for export of Pakistani fruits and vegetables. It has been decided to increase paid investment for airline operators from Rs100 million to Rs500 million. Chief operating officers will be deputed to airports.