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