By Khawaja Hamza

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has taken an important step towards preparations for the 2027 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, as the foundation stone of a new State Lounge was laid at Islamabad International Airport.

Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif formally laid the foundation stone of the new facility and unveiled its commemorative plaque. He also participated in a tree-planting activity.

According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), the new State Lounge is being constructed to provide international-standard hospitality and improved state protocol facilities for visiting foreign heads of state and official delegations.

Defence Secretary Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, Director General PAA Air Vice Marshal Shahid Afzal, Chief Operating Officer of Islamabad International Airport Aftab Gilani and other senior officials were also present at the ceremony.

The PAA said the project represents another step towards modernising airport infrastructure and improving passenger and state hospitality facilities at Islamabad International Airport.

The new State Lounge is expected to strengthen arrangements for receiving foreign dignitaries and official delegations, particularly in view of Pakistan’s preparations to host the SCO Summit in 2027.