Islamabad: The Senate was briefed on Tuesday about significant developments in Pakistan’s aviation sector, with plans to revamp it for enhanced efficiency and potential growth. These changes include the induction of new aircraft and the ongoing privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), as well as reopening profitable routes that had previously been suspended.
According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Minister for Defence, Khawaja Asif, informed the Senate during a session that a team from the United Kingdom is currently in Pakistan to evaluate the country’s aviation safety standards. He announced that PIA flights to the UK are likely to resume soon as a result of this assessment.
In addition to aviation matters, Minister for Housing and Works, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, updated the Senate on housing projects, noting that work on previously stalled initiatives will begin within six months. The Pakistan Housing Authority has started transferring apartments to its members, marking progress in this sector.
The Senate also saw the introduction of three new bills: the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Amendment Bill, the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Amendment Bill, and the Emigration Amendment Bill, all slated for 2025. The session passed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, spearheaded by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, aimed at digitalizing national systems for modern requirements.
Furthermore, the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Amendment Bill, 2025, was passed. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain clarified that this legislation addresses social media issues and assured it is not targeted at journalists. The opposition was consulted through various national platforms.
In response to a Calling Attention Notice, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar revealed that the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has been authorized to purchase vehicles for field officers to boost tax collection efforts, without relying on supplementary grants, as expenses will be covered by their existing budget.
The Senate session has now been prorogued.