Islamabad, January 28, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence conducted an on-ground inspection of Islamabad International Airport today to assess infrastructure readiness, passenger facilitation, operational efficiency, and security arrangements. The visit was chaired by Senator Talha Mehmood, with Senator Molana Atta ul Haq also in attendance.
The inspection formed part of the Committee’s oversight mandate to evaluate aviation infrastructure and public service delivery at one of Pakistan’s key international gateways.
During the visit, officials from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), Airport Manager Islamabad, and the Airport Security Force (ASF) presented detailed briefings covering airport capacity, infrastructure condition, passenger complaints, security coordination, and future development projects.
According to the briefings, Islamabad International Airport currently handles nine million passengers annually and manages cargo operations of up to 100,000 tons per year. Authorities addressed passenger complaints regarding prayer areas, cleanliness, washrooms, and leakages, assuring that regular inspections and maintenance protocols are in place to maintain operational safety.
Passenger facilitation includes a terminal seating capacity of 5,343, 3,250 baggage trolleys, nine prayer areas, 90 sets of toilets with 370 units, 17 baby changing rooms, two children’s play areas, and six charging facilities. The airport operates 26 golf carts, six passenger bridges, 17 structural levels, 112 departure lounges, 35 briefing counters, 10 immigration counters, 20 baggage scanning machines, 17 baggage belts, and parking for 2,550 vehicles. A dedicated lounge for Chinese passengers has also been established.
On security, ASF briefed the Committee on passenger screening, access control, and coordination with law enforcement. In January 2026 alone, ASF reported recoveries worth Rs. 10 million, total seizures of Rs. 655 billion, 18 kilograms of gold, and 1,370 arms. A major security enhancement project is underway, including 3,000 AI-integrated surveillance cameras.
The Committee was also briefed on ongoing development projects, including the general aviation area, line maintenance facilities, MRO, Rainwater Harvesting Kasana Dam, State Lounge rehabilitation, CIP Lounge upgradation, PYC concourse roof replacement, and the introduction of electric vehicles for airside operations. Timelines for completion range from January 2026 to December 2028.
Chairman Senator Talha Mehmood emphasized the importance of maintaining regional air connectivity, directing that non-operational routes, including flights to Gilgit and Dera Ismail Khan, be resumed at least once a week. He also prioritized seamless facilitation and enhanced security for Hajj pilgrims.
The Chairman concluded that the Senate Standing Committee on Defence will continue to monitor aviation infrastructure, passenger services, and security standards to safeguard public interest, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with national and international aviation requirements.
