The government of Pakistan has taken a definitive step forward in its national privatisation and asset-management agenda by securing international institutional expertise. The Privatisation Commission of Pakistan has officially signed a Transaction Advisory Services Agreement with the Asian Development Bank, formally appointing the multilateral lender as the lead financial advisor for the planned outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport. This collaborative move is designed to bring global experience and structural credibility to the aviation sector, marking a key milestone in the state’s broader economic reform program that seeks to leverage private sector efficiency to manage public infrastructure assets.
Under the terms of the newly signed agreement, the Asian Development Bank will deliver comprehensive, end-to-end transaction advisory services. The multilateral institution’s scope of work will encompass a wide range of critical preparations, including technical, financial, legal, environmental, and commercial support. By analyzing these diverse operational areas, the advisory team aims to design, structure, and execute the competitive outsourcing process in strict compliance with international best practices. This systematic approach is intended to guarantee that the concession model protects public interests while remaining highly attractive to commercial operators.
A primary objective of bringing the Asian Development Bank on board is to ensure the utmost transparency, competitive bidding, and market-driven metrics throughout the transaction cycle. Given the high-profile nature of the Islamabad International Airport, the federal government aims to attract world-class international airport operators and institutional investors who can bring advanced technology and modern management standards to the facility. Establishing a clear and internationally recognized bidding process is viewed as essential for building global investor confidence and securing favorable financial terms for the country.
The formal agreement was signed during a high-profile ceremony held in Islamabad by the Country Director of the Asian Development Bank in Pakistan, Emma Fan, and the Director General of the Privatisation Commission, Shahid Dayo. The signing was witnessed by several senior state officials, including the Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission, Muhammad Ali. Other key dignitaries in attendance included the Secretary of the Privatisation Commission, Usman Akhter Bajwa, the Secretary of the Privatisation Division, Hammad Shamimi, and the Deputy Country Director of the Asian Development Bank, Syed Hussain Haider, alongside other senior representatives from both organizations.
The outsourcing of the Islamabad International Airport represents a core component of the country’s active privatisation program, which focuses heavily on public-private partnerships to reduce the fiscal burden on the state treasury. By handing over terminal operations, retail management, and passenger services to a seasoned private operator, the government expects to significantly improve the facility’s overall operational efficiency. Furthermore, the partnership aims to elevate service quality standards to match global benchmarks, expand cargo handling capabilities, and secure the long-term commercial sustainability of the capital’s primary gateway.
Ultimately, this transaction is expected to serve as a pilot model for other major transport hubs across Pakistan. If the outsourcing of the Islamabad airport yields positive operational and financial results, the government plans to replicate the framework for other major aviation and logistics facilities in Lahore and Karachi. By transitioning away from direct state management toward a regulatory and monitoring role, public authorities hope to foster a competitive domestic aviation market that supports tourism, facilitates international trade, and contributes positively to the national economy.
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