Fact Check: Reality Behind $2.4bn Pakistan Airport Security 'Investment' Claim - WE News English

Archive note: the original publication date could not be verified. March 14, 2021 is an assigned catalogue date for this record.

Editorial note: This archive item reproduces or summarizes third-party material supplied to the newsroom. Allegations remain attributed to the speakers or outlets identified and should not be read as independent judicial findings by this publication.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has disputed claims of a $2.4 billion “investment proposal” by a US firm for airport security systems, as officials explained the narrative is misleading and exaggerated, and clarified that the process is a routine government procurement exercise rather than a foreign investment deal.

Recent media reports suggested that a US firm’s multi-billion-dollar offer to invest in airport security infrastructure had been delayed by the government.

But officials explained the claims were exaggerated and created a false impression of the nature of the process.

Officials explained the acquisition or upgrade of airport security systems is not being treated as an “investment deal” but as a standard public procurement exercise.

“The procurement of airport security systems is a routine government process, currently underway in accordance with established procedures,” sources said.

They added that any contract would be awarded through a transparent and competitive bidding process under the rules of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), ensuring merit, fairness and cost-effectiveness.

“No individual or company is being favoured,” officials said, adding that the final decision would depend on technical evaluation, open bidding and a comprehensive assessment of cost and quality.

Former aviation advisor to the prime minister, Air Marshal (retd) Farhat Hussain Khan, told WE News English that the Pakistan Airports Authority is planning to install e-security gates at all international airports, for which planning is currently underway.

But the former advisor said no final decision has been made to award any contract to a foreign company.

While several firms have submitted proposals, no final decision has been made to award the contract, he said, adding that the process remains at an evaluation stage.

The former advisor stressed that the impression of a deliberate delay in awarding the contract is “misleading”.

Officials emphasised that a critical condition for any proposed system is that all passenger data must remain within Pakistan and under full sovereign control.

“No compromise will be made on national security,” they said.

They noted that ensuring data localisation and control is central to safeguarding sensitive information linked to aviation security.

Authorities also dismissed the widely circulated $2.4 billion figure as speculative and significantly inflated.

Officials explained the actual cost of any project would only be determined after a detailed technical evaluation and a competitive bidding process.

“The figure being reported is based on estimates and speculation,” officials said.

Officials further rejected claims that the proposal was backed by the US government or constituted a formal investment.

“Such claims are baseless and misleading. No such endorsement exists through official channels,” they said.

They also noted that some reports portraying the project as a major foreign investment were not verified at the government level.

According to officials, the narrative is being promoted by an individual attempting to create the impression of a lucrative investment opportunity.

They said that paid content and certain media platforms were being used to amplify a misleading claim.

Officials also pointed to the said individual’s past involvement in “questionable technology dealings”, including supplying a flawed system to the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

The government reaffirmed that airport security upgrades would proceed strictly in line with procurement laws, transparency and merit.

Officials said the process would prioritise national security, financial prudence and data sovereignty.

They warned that unverified claims and speculation could be intended to exerting undue pressure on institutional processes and influencing public opinion.

“The public and media are urged to verify information and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports driven by vested interests,” officials said.

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