Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Requests Revival of Benazir Bhutto International Airport Name–Complete Details

Islamabad Airport Renaming Proposal Gains Momentum:

In a significant development, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, has formally requested Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif to rename New Islamabad International Airport as Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad. This proposal aims to honor the legacy of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who sacrificed her life for the betterment and progress of Pakistan.

The New Islamabad International Airport was originally designated as Benazir Bhutto International Airport in 2008 but was renamed in 2018 by the Aviation Division, Cabinet Secretariat. The letter from Governor Kundi highlights how various airports worldwide are named after national leaders, such as Jinnah International Airport Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, and Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi.

With growing public support, this request seeks to restore historical significance to the airport and commemorate the contributions of Benazir Bhutto. The final decision rests with the federal government, and citizens eagerly await further developments.

Governor

Faisal Karim Kundi
Governor House Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Peshawar
No.PSG-1(2)/2024
20^th February, 2024

SUBJECT:             REQUEST FOR DECLARATION THE NAME OF NEW ISLAMABAD INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ISLAMABAD TO REVIVE AS BENAZIR BHUTTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ISLAMABAD.

Excellency, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif,

I hope this letter will find you in the best of health and high spirits.

                              I am writing to draw your kind attention towards a matter of public interest, regarding notification which was issued dated 19^th April, 2018 by the Aviation Division, Cabinet Secretariat, Islamabad to declare the newly established airport at Islamabad as New Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad (copy of notification is enclosed herewith).

                              On the other hand, I would like to recall your memory, the old airport of Islamabad declared as Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad on 21^st June, 2008 by the then Hon’ble Prime Minister of Pakistan (copy of notification is enclosed herewith) after the martyred of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in 2007. Such as many other examples are available in Pakistan as well as across the world, the airport names are on their name to identify their efforts for their country i.e Bacha Khan Airport Peshawar, Jinnah International Airport Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, Begum Nusrat Bhutto International Airport Sukkur, Sheikh Zayed International Airport Rahim Yar Khan, Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi and Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Hyderabad (India) etc. It is further stated that the old airport of Islamabad is handed over by the Pakistan Air Force and the site for going of public flights is established as Technology Park.

                              Considering the utmost public demand, I may kindly be requested that necessary directions may be issued to the concerned quarters for revival the name of Islamabad Airport from New Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad to declare as Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad at the earliest to recognize the efforts of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto for the betterment, prosperity and uphold the country of Pakistan and sacrificing her life during the such cause as well.

I look forward to your positive response. Thank you for your consideration and continued support.

With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

(FAISAL KARIM KUNDI)

Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif,
Hon’ble Prime Minister,
Islamic Republic of Pakistan,
Prime Minister’s Office,
Islamabad.

Will Islamabad Airport Be Renamed After Benazir Bhutto?:

The renaming of Islamabad Airport as Benazir Bhutto International Airport is a matter of national recognition and historical significance. Given the prominent role of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan’s democracy and development, this move could serve as a tribute to her vision and sacrifices.

With official requests now submitted, the decision lies with the Prime Minister’s Office and the relevant authorities. If approved, this renaming will align Islamabad’s airport with other airports honoring national leaders, preserving Pakistan’s historical and democratic legacy.

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