RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Former chairman Senate Raza Rabbani wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday, expressing anger over change in name of new Islamabad airport, saying it should have been named Benazir International Airport like the old airport which was named after the late PPP leader.

In letter Rabbani said renaming of new airport is being done at the behest of certain civil bureaucrats in Civil Aviation Authority. “This petty act will not subtract from Benazir’s place in history but is a sad reflection on us as a nation and more particularly on your government,” he wrote.

“The national print media of the instant date carries a statement of the prime minister’s advisor on aviation confirming that Benazir Bhutto International Airport will henceforth at its new premises be called, Islamabad International Airport,” he added.

Rabbani further stated that in memory of her assassination, the airport was renamed Benazir Bhutto International Airport. “This is not uncommon, I am sure you will recall that Idlewild International Airport New York was renamed as John F Kennedy (JKF) International Airport after his assassination in Dallas, Texas. A large number of airports throughout the world bear the names of prominent international personalities.”

“Keeping in view of the fact that monuments and naming of important national buildings after the name of the civilian leadership are already far and few, you will withdraw this uncalled for and inappropriate decision,” added the former chairman Senate.

Earlier, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah talking about New Islamabad Airport, said it should be named after slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, warning that he would approach the Supreme Court if that does not happen.