Pakistan Begins Building New State Lounge at Islamabad Airport Ahead of SCO Summit

The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has begun construction of a new State Lounge at Islamabad International Airport, a facility intended to strengthen protocol and hospitality arrangements for foreign dignitaries and international delegations. The project is being developed ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, which Pakistan is scheduled to host in August 2027.

Defence Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif performed the groundbreaking ceremony, which was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the PAA. The new lounge is expected to provide upgraded reception facilities for visiting heads of state and other high-level guests arriving for the summit.

In a separate development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has launched a deep-cleaning exercise across its aircraft fleet as part of efforts to raise cabin cleanliness and maintenance standards. The airline carried out special inspections of aircraft cabins at its stations in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hamilton-Manns said the airline would continue working to keep its aircraft in excellent condition and to improve overall service quality. The carrier also recognised employees who performed well during the cleaning drive, awarding shields, certificates and cash prizes.

Both developments come as Pakistan prepares its aviation infrastructure and national carrier for greater international engagement, with the 2027 SCO Summit expected to bring a significant influx of foreign officials and delegations to the capital.