Pakistan’s Privatization Commission (PC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a Transaction Advisory Services Agreement (TASA) to advance the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, marking another key step in the government’s plan to bring private sector expertise into the country’s aviation sector.
Under the agreement, the ADB will act as the transaction adviser, providing technical, financial, legal, environmental, and commercial advisory services throughout the outsourcing process.
The agreement was signed by Emma Fan, ADB’s Country Director for Pakistan, and Shahid Dayo, Director General of the Privatization Commission, in the presence of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatization and Chairman of the Privatization Commission Muhammad Ali, along with senior officials from both organizations.
According to officials, the transaction will focus on awarding a long-term concession for the operation and maintenance of Islamabad International Airport to a qualified private sector operator through a transparent and competitive bidding process.
The government expects the initiative to improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, elevate the passenger experience, and maximize long-term value while encouraging greater private sector participation in Pakistan’s aviation industry.
The ADB will support the Privatization Commission by applying its international experience in structuring and implementing similar airport concession projects.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Emma Fan reaffirmed the ADB’s commitment to supporting private sector development in Pakistan.
“I appreciate the Privatization Commission’s efforts and achievements and reiterate ADB’s commitment to support private sector development in Pakistan. ADB will leverage its expertise and lessons from structuring and delivering similar strategic transactions to ensure the success of this initiative,” she said.
Islamabad International Airport is one of Pakistan’s busiest airports, handling millions of domestic and international passengers annually. The outsourcing initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize airport operations, improve service delivery, and attract international airport operators and investors.
