ADB, Privatisation Commission sign agreement for Islamabad airport outsourcing

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Pakistan's Privatisation Commission have signed a Financial Advisory Services Agreement for the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, marking a key step in the government's privatisation programme.

According to an official announcement, the ADB will serve as the financial adviser for the outsourcing process and provide comprehensive transaction advisory services.

The agreement was signed by the ADB's Country Director on behalf of the bank, while the Director General of the Privatisation Commission signed on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. Privatisation Adviser and Chairman of the Privatisation Commission Muhammad Ali attended the signing ceremony.

Under the agreement, the ADB will provide technical, financial, legal, environmental and commercial advisory services to support the outsourcing transaction. The announcement said the bank will help ensure that the privatisation process is conducted in a transparent, competitive and market-based manner.

Officials said the arrangement is expected to attract leading international airport operators and investors, with the aim of improving operational efficiency, service quality and long-term investment at Islamabad International Airport.

The outsourcing initiative is part of the government's broader efforts to modernise key public assets and encourage private sector participation in infrastructure management.