RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has announced that Islamabad International Airport has become the first airport in Pakistan to offer 5G services.

A PAA spokesman said that passengers at Islamabad International Airport will now benefit from ultra-fast 5G internet, enabling seamless live streaming, crystal-clear video calls, high-speed browsing, and enhanced digital services.

The 5G connectivity is currently active outside the airport building and in surrounding areas, the spokesman said. Technical work is progressing rapidly to ensure full and improved 5G coverage inside the terminal building.

The 5G facility will soon be introduced at other major airports across the country as part of its commitment to modernising Pakistan’s aviation infrastructure and providing world-class passenger facilities.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) signed a consultancy services contract for the construction of a new greenfield airport in Faisalabad.

A PAA spokesman said in a press release that the contract agreement was signed by Director General PAA, AVM Zeeshan Saeed, and Mr Rami Beydoun, Country Manager of M/s Daar Al-Handasah, the foreign lead consultant firm.

The ceremony was held at PAA Headquarters in Karachi and was attended by top officials.

The consultant will provide comprehensive services, including a feasibility study, master planning, and design for the project.

The occasion was graced by Dy. DG Airports Engr. Saadiq Ur Rehman, Dy. DG Works & Dev. Engr. Sumair Saeed, Director Planning & Dev. Engr. Ghulam Abbas Shaikh, Director Finance, Mr Hafiz Saqib But, Addl. Director SP Engr. Shehzad Asghar, Addl. Director Design Engr. Faiz Ullah Khattak and other senior officials of PAA.

The project will be executed under a joint venture arrangement comprising M/s DAAR-OSMANI&CO-RMJM Osmani and ACE (Asian Consulting Engineers), with M/s Daar Al-Handasah serving as the Lead JV Partner.

This initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing aviation infrastructure and connectivity in the Faisalabad region.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2026