KARACHI: Aircraft Owners and Operators Association of Pakistan (PAOOA) opposed coalition government’s “Unilateral” decision to outsource country’s top airports without following PPRA rules..

Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had approved draft Transaction Advisory Agreement reached with International Finance Corporation for outsourcing of three airports.

ECC was informed that outsourcing of three airports has been initiated within scope of Public-Private Partnership Act-2017 to engage private investor through competitive and transparent process to run airports, develop appertaining land assets and enhance avenues for commercial activities and to garner full revenue potential.

In statement, association condemned government’s decision to award contracts to IFC and World Bank (WB) regarding outsourcing of three airports. “All proceedings of outsourcing of major airports have been kept secret by government, making whole process doubtful and dubious,” statement read.

Statement said no country outsources its money-making assets like airports to third country which cannot run its own airport, adding that government has outsourced its major airports to Singaporean company which is being run by “Indians”. Eventually, it will be Indians managing our major airports, it added. “In next 30 years, country’s airports have potential of generating more than Rs 2,700 billion and we are outsourcing them for Rs 850 billion,” statement said. It further added that PAOOA Pakistan will serve legal notice to government and IFC, World Bank for malpractice and dodging Pakistan laws.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 01 2023

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