ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed improvement of facilities for passengers, tourists and overseas Pakistanis at country’s airports.

He called for an increase in number of counters for international flights to reduce long wait times for passengers. Chairing review meeting on aviation sector reforms, he urged swift completion of safety audit for current calendar year.  He reminded attendees that during his previous tenure as head of Pakistan Democratic Movement government, an Aviation Act was enacted to facilitate reforms in sector, according to press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office.

  PM Shehbaz emphasised need to fully implement all policy measures and reforms outlined in Aviation Act, noting that these reforms had put Pakistan’s aviation sector on right track.  To promote tourism, he stressed importance of providing top-notch facilities for passengers at Skardu International Airport and called for detailed action plan to expand both Skardu International Airport and Gilgit Airport. He expressed satisfaction with positive progress in aviation sector, highlighting installation of automatic immigration gates under automated border control system as significant convenience for passengers. During meeting, detailed briefing was given on ongoing reforms in aviation sector.  It was noted that separation of Airport Management Authority and Civil Aviation under Act was highlighted as key measure ensuring more efficient execution of operator and regulator duties.