Karachi Airbases

[Nahraf]

Faisal and Masroor are two PAF airbases in Karachi. Faisal Airbase on Drigh Road is surrounded by neighborhoods. It is prime real estate property. It could be sold to private developers and enough money can be raised to build two new bases plus money to spare. New base could be in Gadap Town north of Goth Baloch Khan. The Isle of Dogs area of London was dilapidated area and has been developed as new financial district of London. Same could be done at Faisal airbase. Masroor airbase could be turned over to Pakistan Navy as Naval airbase. The biggest threat is corruption from politicians and air force officials.

 

[SQ8]

So are you paying for the new base, engineering facilities, logistical support, roads. pens, Hardened shelters, runway, housing..etc etc?
because I seriously doubt that if faisal base was sold at even thrice the price they would be able to pay for the land... did i mention faisal serves as a base for in country transportation, next to the museum, southern air command, air war college.. etc etc.

 

[Nahraf]

The Faisal base was built by the British in 1930s and has mostly colonial era buildings. The base in also in the middle of Karachi on prime real estate and could be relocated north of Goth Baloch Khan. I still believe the land price will pay for the new base including all infrastructures.

 

[SQ8]

Have you been to faisal recently, I saw very little in terms of colonial era buildings, mostly MES stuff. And exactly which land baron will buy all this land? and then hope to make a profit out of it.

Just building a modern airbase isnt all of it, Terrain, wildlife, locals, infrastructure all come into the equation. otherwise wasn't DHA phase 8 a great place for a new Airport?

 

[Nahraf]

Have you been to faisal recently, I saw very little in terms of colonial era buildings, mostly MES stuff. And exactly which land baron will buy all this land? and then hope to make a profit out of it.

Just building a modern airbase isnt all of it, Terrain, wildlife, locals, infrastructure all come into the equation. otherwise wasn't DHA phase 8 a great place for a new Airport?

You are right that I have not seen Faisal Airbase recently. I use to pass on Drigh Road everyday when I was going to school. It is just my idea since Faisal area is perfect for new techno park for Karachi. A new base could be built in north of Karachi in Gadap Town similar to Trishul Airbase in Bareilly, India with underground hangar for fighters. Faisal Airbase would be moved in next 20 years that is my prediction. Beside why do we need two airbases in Karachi ? The DHA Phase VIII and its extension is mostly reclaimed land from sea. It is also prime land and is mostly being developed for housing and commercial areas. DHA Phase VIII will be like Long Island in New York.

 

[Blackpearl]

PAF base Faisal, also houses Army aviation squadron, and complete Naval aviation infrastructure. Masroor has 4 squadrons of PAF. the idea of vacating Faisal and handing over Masroor to Navy is really funny.

 

[Nahraf]

PAF base Faisal, also houses Army aviation squadron, and complete Naval aviation infrastructure. Masroor has 4 squadrons of PAF. the idea of vacating Faisal and handing over Masroor to Navy is really funny.

I know it is funny but we discuss all the hypothetical issues here. So why not my funny idea. In another thread they are discussing buying fighters for Pakistan Navy. PN does not have airbase and Masroor Airbase will be perfect for them. Faisal is really in the middle of the city and should be moved.

 

[Aamir Hussain]

Have you been to faisal recently, I saw very little in terms of colonial era buildings, mostly MES stuff. And exactly which land baron will buy all this land? and then hope to make a profit out of it.

Just building a modern airbase isnt all of it, Terrain, wildlife, locals, infrastructure all come into the equation. otherwise wasn't DHA phase 8 a great place for a new Airport?

Santro is right, it is an airbase established before 1935 and the future "Lawrence of Arabia" served here as an Airman in early 30s'. He even mentioned his time spent at Drigh Road in his memoires.

 

[Super Falcon]

well already airforce have taken primary place of karachi no need more bases in karachi even close that faisal base and make real use of it and airforce can make it new base in gadap town airforce dont have any probleum with it as they have jets they can reach anywhere from any base in matter of seconds they have masroor etc bases already

 

[Nahraf]

well already airforce have taken primary place of karachi

It is the Army's Cantonment Boards and Defense Housing Authorities that own one third of Karachi's prime land. Airforce owns Faisal, Masroor and Korangi bases plus their housing authority. Pakistan Airforce did build Masroor since they found Faisal to be small airbase. I just preferred not having an airbase in the middle of the city. The air force peronnel prefer living in the cities and the senior officers even more since they can send their kids to to good schools. I met many army jawans that have never been to large cities and enjoyed their postings in Karachi.

 

[U-571]

the whole military structure should be relocated else where, it should not be in the middle of the city.

there is one more problem, the weapons depot is also located inside the city, what if some ojri camp incident happens in karachi??