Pakistan Earns ICAO Recognition for Karachi Airport Runway Upgrade

Pakistan received international recognition for its aviation safety and infrastructure achievements after presenting the successful reconstruction and upgrade of Jinnah International Airport Karachi’s Runway 07L/25R at the ICAO Asia-Pacific Regional Aviation Safety Team (APRAST/25) meeting held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 22 to 26, 2026.

Representing Pakistan, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) presented a technical working paper highlighting the project’s successful completion and its adherence to international aviation safety standards.

The Pakistani delegation comprised Engineer Hafiz Zahid Ishaq, Project Director at Jinnah International Airport (PAA); Engineer Muneeb Ahmed Khan, Senior Deputy Director (PAA); and Ms. Mah Rukh M. Hussain, Senior Deputy Director, ICAO Cell, Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA).

Engineer Hafiz Zahid Ishaq presented the working paper titled “Schedule-Optimized Runway Reconstruction with Safety Assurance under Live Aerodrome Operations.”

The presentation outlined how the runway reconstruction project was completed on schedule within 18 months, without delays, cost overruns, or contractual claims.

According to the PAA, nearly 60,000 flights operated safely during the construction period, while approximately 10 million passengers were served without any reported operational safety incidents. Following the successful completion of the project, the upgraded runway was commissioned for commercial flight operations.

The working paper also highlighted the close collaboration between the Pakistan Airports Authority and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in project planning, regulatory oversight, construction, certification, and operational commissioning in accordance with international standards.

During the forum, representatives from the United States and Aerothai praised Pakistan’s safety assurance framework and the effective inter-agency coordination demonstrated throughout the project, describing it as a model that could be replicated across the Asia-Pacific region.

The recognition underscores Pakistan’s growing commitment to enhancing aviation safety, operational efficiency, and infrastructure in line with global best practices.