VIPs, VVIPs still using Benazir airport

E-Paper | March 12, 2026

RAWALPINDI: Despite the fact that the new green field airport had been made operational for international and domestic flights, VIPs including former president and prime ministers are still using Benazir Bhutto airport.

According to sources, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz flew to Lahore on Tuesday by a special plane from Benazir Bhutto International Airport while the Punjab Chief Minister used Nur Khan Airbase.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari also landed at Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Tuesday.

A security official told Dawn although the new airport had state guest lounges and other facilities for VVIPs and VIPs, they were still using Benazir Airport and Nur Khan Airbase, apparently for being closer to Islamabad and more secure.

He said the new airport might be used by them after the road network to the new airport is completed and security agencies gave their clearance for the VVIP and VIP movements.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2018

Pakistan

Punjab Assembly body on home dept passes bill: Illegal gatherings in ‘high security zones’ to be punished with up to three-year RI

Market engagement process begins for ML-1 upgrade in Lahore

Lahore Bar Association announces strike against four-day court work

Zafar Ahmed

May 16, 2018 11:03am

This airport will be used by elite classes who rules this country !

Recommend 0

Huma

May 16, 2018 12:39pm

Shame on them, no wonder we have so many hiccups in the new airport.

Recommend 0

Shiib

May 16, 2018 12:52pm

@Zafar Ahmed True ....we are here to pay taxes so that these corrupt and criminals can enjoy what ever they can think of in our country...Enjoy the democracy which only benefits these corrupt politicians....

Recommend 0

Malik

May 16, 2018 01:00pm

Shame on them and then airport is a mess. The powers to be and the land mafia has made billions on the airport and the land adjacent to it. Use the new airport and then beat these so called elites

Recommend 0

Socrates

May 16, 2018 04:29pm

The approach to the new IIA is still far from satisfactory. The lanes on Kashmir Highway leading to the new airport from Islamabad are still unmarked and therefore the traffic is chaotic and confusing. Even the signboards in the area are misleading and lack accuracy. NLC, NHA, FWO or whosoever is involved in the development of road network and fixing signboards should set everything in order. It is normal to build infrastructure before airport- like projects are completed. However, here the roads are being developed now after the airport has already become operational. More surprises may be in store for the people.

Recommend 0

M. Sarwar

May 16, 2018 05:46pm

Its time to do away with the VIP culture. Only state guests and top foreign officials on state business should be awarded VIP receptions. Our good for nothing MPA's, MNA's, SECRETARIES etc should have treatment as any other citizen; just like other developed democracies.

Recommend 0

Pakistan Deserves Better

May 16, 2018 05:59pm

Pity they do not know the difference of ruling and serving the country!

Recommend 0

Ali

May 16, 2018 06:47pm

VIP and VVIP culture of our politicians must end. The old airport must be closed as the beautiful new airport was finally inaugurated. Why is money being wasted to keep old airport open for VIPs? The people demand such waste of tax payers money must end.

Recommend 0

Siddha

May 16, 2018 07:07pm

That is an excellent news; Please let them be there.

Recommend 0

Branded Content

Master MoltyFoam’s Women’s Day initiative supports the next generation of female athletes

This year, Master MoltyFoam used the occasion to highlight the importance of support in sports by launching an initiative focused on encouraging young female athletes in Pakistan.