ATTOCK, Sept 17:  Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has urged the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to accelerate the pace of work on the new Islamabad International Airport, so that cargo services can start at the earliest.

He directed while chairing an important high level meeting, which was held at the project's site of new Islamabad International Airport in Fatehjang, Attock district to review the progress of its construction work.

Besides, State Minister for Defence Sardar Saleem Haider, who is also MNA from Attock district, Dr Arab Alamgir Khan, Minister for Communication, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Defence, Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA), Director General Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

The Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf  said that Benazir Bhutto International Airport is a landmark project and his government was committed to completing the project on priority basis, so that a state of the art facility could be provided to residents of Islamabad as well as adjoining areas.

“There would be no compromise on the specification of the equipment and quality of construction of the airport” and that it should have all modern facilities available to international passengers, he said.

He said that it is necessary that time lines be observed so that not only projects are completed in time but also lead to saving of money.

The PM also directed CAA to ensure that emphasis is given on landscaping so that when a foreigner lands on Pakistani soil, he or she walks away with a favourable impression.

The Prime Minister also asked NHA officials that work on roads should be expedited and directed  the CAA to release fifty per cent of the funds for the erection of grid stations and laying of transmission lines to Islamabad Electricity Supply Company (Iesco), so that work on the airport is completed on time.

He also directed Iesco to ensure its completion on priority basis. The Prime Minister also issued directions to make foolproof arrangements to ensure that “uninterrupted water is supplied to Airport”.

Earlier, Air Marshal (retired) Khalid Chaudhry, Chief Coordinator of the project briefed the Prime Minister on the progress made so far and the efforts being made for quality and timely completion of the projects.

Mr Chaudhry has apprised the Prime Minister about the history and relevant features and assured him that he will make all efforts to ensure that the work on the internal building of the airport would be completed as per schedule.—Yaqoob Malik