Islamabad Airport State Lounge Planned for SCO
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has initiated construction of a new Islamabad airport state lounge as part of Pakistan’s preparations for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad in August 2027.
Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif performed the groundbreaking for the new lounge. The ceremony was attended by Secretary Defence Mohammad Ali, PAA Director General AVM Mohammad Shahid Afzaal and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the PAA.
In his welcome address, the PAA Director General highlighted the significance of the project in strengthening state protocol and hospitality arrangements at the airport, particularly ahead of the forthcoming SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.
Following the groundbreaking, the defence minister unveiled the commemorative plaque and took part in a tree plantation activity.
Islamabad airport state lounge: what is planned
The new State Lounge will serve visiting heads of state, foreign dignitaries, senior government officials and international delegations. It forms part of a wider round of preparations for the summit, which will bring the SCO’s top leaders to Islamabad.
The lounge is meant to raise the standard of protocol and hospitality at the airport. State lounges handle arrivals and departures for official guests, and the new facility will give Pakistan a dedicated space for the summit’s most senior visitors.
Why the SCO summit matters
The August 2027 summit will be a Council of Heads of State meeting, the SCO’s highest forum. Pakistan hosted the SCO Council of Heads of Government summit in Islamabad in October 2024, and the 2027 meeting raises the level further, with presidents and prime ministers in attendance.
Hosting the summit puts the spotlight on Pakistan’s airports, roads and hotels. The state lounge is one of the visible signs of that preparation, and it will remain in use for official visits long after the summit ends.
The government is also pushing a roadmap for a fully digital payments system, part of the same drive to modernise services before major international events. Trade and finance gaps for small exporters remain part of the wider economic picture the government wants to improve.
PIA begins deep cleaning of its fleet
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management has also started deep cleaning its fleet of aircraft in an effort to improve cabin maintenance and aircraft cleanliness.
A PIA spokesman said on Friday that the airline’s management had launched a deep-cleaning exercise across its fleet. Special inspections of aircraft cabin cleaning were carried out in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
“Aircraft cleanliness is extremely important. It is important to maintain your brand at the highest standards,” the spokesman quoted PIA Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns as saying.
“Maintaining aircraft in excellent condition is our priority,” the PIA CEO said. “This is the beginning of the process and pace at which aircraft will be maintained in optimal condition.”
Shields and certificates were distributed among employees who played a prominent role in the cleaning process. Cash prizes were also awarded to employees who performed their duties exceptionally well.
What happens next
Work on the state lounge will continue in the run-up to the August 2027 summit, alongside the rest of the preparations. PIA’s cleaning drive will also continue, with the airline pledging to keep its aircraft at a higher standard.
Frequently asked questions
What is being built at Islamabad airport?
The Pakistan Airports Authority has begun construction of a new State Lounge at Islamabad International Airport for visiting heads of state, foreign dignitaries and senior officials.
When is the SCO summit in Islamabad?
The SCO Council of Heads of State Summit is scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad in August 2027.
Who performed the groundbreaking?
Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif performed the groundbreaking, attended by Secretary Defence Mohammad Ali and PAA Director General AVM Mohammad Shahid Afzaal.
What is PIA doing about cleanliness?
PIA has started a deep-cleaning exercise for its fleet, with special cabin-cleaning inspections in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad, and awards for staff who performed well.
