Islamabad, — The Senate Standing Committee on Defence conducted a comprehensive on-ground inspection of Islamabad International Airport today to review infrastructure readiness, passenger facilitation, operational efficiency, and security arrangements.
An official handout issued after the inspections said the visit was chaired by Senator Talha Mehmood, Chairman of the Committee. Senator Molana Atta ul Haq was also present. The inspection was carried out as part of the Committee’s oversight agenda to evaluate aviation infrastructure and public service delivery at one of the country’s most important international gateways.
During the visit, detailed briefings were presented by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the Airport Manager Islamabad, and the Airport Security Force (ASF). The briefings covered airport capacity, infrastructure condition, passenger complaints, security coordination, and future development projects.
The CAA informed the Committee that Islamabad International Airport currently has the capacity to handle nine million passengers annually and manage cargo operations of up to 100,000 tons per year. Officials also briefed the Committee on the nature of complaints received from passengers, particularly regarding prayer areas, cleanliness, washrooms, and leakages, and outlined the steps being taken to address these issues. The condition and maintenance of runways and taxiways were reviewed, with assurances provided that regular inspections and maintenance protocols are in place to ensure operational safety.
Authorities informed the Committee that the passenger terminal building is equipped with a seating capacity of 5,343 and 3,250 baggage trolleys. There are nine designated prayer areas, 90 sets of toilets comprising 370 units, 17 baby changing rooms, two children play areas, and six charging facilities. Passenger facilitation is further supported by 26 golf carts, including 19 in the departure area and seven in arrivals, along with six passenger bridges, four serving departures and two for arrivals.
The Committee was also briefed on the terminal’s structural and processing facilities, which include 17 structural levels comprising 11 international and six domestic areas. The airport has 112 departure lounges, including 80 international and 32 domestic lounges, and 35 briefing counters, with 15 for departures and 20 for arrivals. Immigration processing is supported by 10 counters, seven international and three domestic. Baggage security includes 12 hold baggage scanning machines, with seven for international and five for domestic use, and eight hand baggage scanning machines, five international and three domestic. The airport operates 17 baggage belts and has a car parking capacity for 2,200 general vehicles, 150 cargo vehicles, and 200 vehicles for functionaries.
It was further shared that a separate lounge for Chinese passengers has been established to facilitate diplomatic, business, and commercial travel.
On security arrangements, the Airport Security Force briefed the Committee on existing passenger screening systems, access control mechanisms, and coordination with other security and law-enforcement agencies. ASF authorities reported that in January 2026 alone, recoveries worth Rs. 10 million were made, total seizures amounted to Rs. 655 billion, 18 kilograms of gold were recovered, and 1,370 arms were seized. ASF also informed the Committee about a major security enhancement project involving the installation of 3,000 new surveillance cameras integrated with artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems to further strengthen airport security.
The Committee was briefed on major development projects at Islamabad International Airport and their respective timelines. These include the development of a general aviation area, line maintenance facilities, MRO, and allied infrastructure scheduled for completion by June 2028. The construction of the Rainwater Harvesting Kasana Dam is expected to be completed by December 2028. The rehabilitation of the State Lounge is scheduled for January 2026, while the upgradation of the CIP Lounge is planned for February 2026. The replacement of the PYC roofing system in the concourse area of the passenger terminal building is scheduled for June 2026. Authorities also informed that the replacement of external conventional high-pressure sodium lighting with LED fixtures has been completed, as has the rehabilitation of illumination arrangements in plantation zones and access roads. The introduction of electric vehicles for airside operations has also been completed.
Chairman Senator Talha Mehmood stressed the importance of maintaining regional air connectivity and directed that non-operational routes, including flights to Gilgit and Dera Ismail Khan, should be made operational at least once a week, irrespective of passenger load, in the national interest. He also emphasized that Hajj flights and pilgrims must be accorded priority handling and enhanced security arrangements, directing authorities to ensure seamless facilitation for intending pilgrims.
The Chairman concluded by reiterating that the Senate Standing Committee on Defence will continue to closely monitor aviation infrastructure, passenger facilitation, and security standards to safeguard public interest, improve operational efficiency, and ensure compliance with national and international aviation requirements.