ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Sheikh Aftab Ahmad on Tuesday told the National Assembly said that 95 percent work of the new Islamabad Airport had already been completed and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would inaugurate it on August 14.
Winding up debate on a motion moved by Sahibzada Muhammad Yaqub that the Lower House may discuss the performance of Aviation Division, the minister said that old Islamabad International Airport had also been renovated and more space was created to park more aircraft in it.
The minister said that Peshawar airport was also being expanded with an estimated cost of Rs 3 billion.
Sheikh Aftab said that the federal government took many pragmatic steps to up-grade and expand various airports in the Country during the last four years.
The minister for parliamentary affairs further the House that Ramma dam had already been completed while work on Kasana dam was being under process to meet the new airport water needs.
Regarding Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), he said that more aircraft were acquired on dry lease to utilize staff and generate revenue.
Earlier, speaking on the motion, Sahibzada Yaqub said there were unnecessary delay in flights and all airports have lacked basic facilities.
Ghulam Sawar Khan alleged that three main airports were being privatized and the cost of the new Islamabad Airport has been jumped to around one trillion rupees. He alleged that earlier 38,000 kanals of land was acquired for the airport and now more 22,000 kanals were being acquired from the locals.
Ayaz Soomro and Ejaz Jikrani said that airports should not be privatized. They also called for expansion of Karachi and Sukkur airports.
