Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Monday launched the Integrated Security System here at the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Airport, making it the first in the country to have a modern system. Director General Airport Security Force (ASF) Major General Sohail Ahmed briefed the prime minister about the system that would help ensure better security of the premises, aircraft and passengers.
The prime minister was appreciative of the quality of the system. He said expansion of the Lahore airport should be done in a meaningful manner, keeping in view the expected increase in number of passengers and air traffic in the next 10-15 years. He termed the infrastructure an asset for the country and said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would impact all national sectors and generate economic activity. Adviser to Prime Minister Shujaat Azeem briefed Nawaz Sharif on measures taken for enhancement of facilities for the air passengers.
He was informed that since January 2014, 14 new aircraft have been added and nine more to be included to the fleet of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by the end of this year. This is the first time that the PIA has inducted such a large number of planes in such a short period of time. Shujaat Azeem said the projected fleet size by year end was 44, with an average fleet age of nine years. Minister for Defence Kh Muhammad Asif and the Civil Aviation Director General were present during the briefing.