The Government of Pakistan has officially appointed the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the financial and transaction adviser for the outsourcing of Islamabad Airport. The move marks the formal beginning of the airport’s outsourcing process and is part of the government’s broader privatization plans.
The agreement was signed between Privatisation Commission Director General Shahid Dayo and ADB Country Director Emma Fan. The signing ceremony was attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, Privatisation Commission Secretary Usman Akhtar Bajwa, Privatisation Division Secretary Hammad Shamimi, and ADB Deputy Country Director Syed Hussain Haider.
Under the agreement, ADB will provide a wide range of advisory services for the Islamabad Airport project. These services include technical, financial, legal, environmental, and commercial support. The goal is to ensure that the outsourcing process meets international standards and follows global best practices.
Officials said the outsourcing will be carried out through a transparent and competitive bidding process. The government plans to invite leading international airport operators and investors to participate. This approach is expected to improve efficiency and attract experienced private sector partners.
The government has set a clear timeline for the project. The due diligence phase is expected to be completed within three months. The full outsourcing process is targeted for completion within nine months. Authorities also aim to finalize the transaction during the current fiscal year.
According to officials, this is the first time a multilateral development institution has been appointed as the transaction adviser for a privatization project in Pakistan. The appointment of ADB is expected to strengthen investor confidence and support a transparent transaction process.
The outsourcing of Islamabad Airport is part of wider efforts to modernize airport operations and improve service quality. The government believes private sector participation can help increase operational efficiency while attracting new investment.
At the same time, preparations have also started for the outsourcing of Karachi and Lahore international airports. Officials are working to appoint a single financial adviser for both projects. These airports are also expected to be offered to private investors through a competitive process.
Earlier government estimates suggested that Karachi and Lahore airports could each attract more than $500 million in fresh private investment. Authorities believe these projects could support infrastructure upgrades and improve passenger services.
The government says all airport outsourcing projects will follow transparent procedures and international practices. The objective is to bring in experienced global operators while maintaining high operational standards.
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With ADB now serving as the transaction adviser, the Islamabad Airport outsourcing process has officially entered its implementation phase. The coming months will focus on due diligence, investor engagement, and preparing the project for competitive bidding as Pakistan continues its privatization agenda.
