RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has initiated construction of a new State Lounge at Islamabad International Airport 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 IIA , particularly ahead of the forthcoming SCO Council of Heads of State Summit.
Following the groundbreaking, the defence minister unveiled the commemorative plaque and participated in a tree plantation activity, reaffirming the commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new State Lounge forms part of Pakistan’s preparations for the SCO Summit, scheduled to be hosted in Islamabad in August 2027. The facility will enhance protocol, hospitality and facilitation arrangements for visiting heads of state, foreign dignitaries, senior government officials and international delegations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management has started deep cleaning its fleet of aircraft in an effort to significantly improve cabin maintenance and aircraft cleanliness.
A PIA spokesman said on Friday that the airline’s management had launched a deep-cleaning exercise for aircraft in its fleet. PIA has decided to focus on further improving the quality of aircraft cleaning and cabin maintenance. 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,” he said. He pledged to continue initiatives aimed at promoting high standards of cleanliness, quality and service at PIA.
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.
Published in Dawn, November 7th, 2026
