Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence, led by Mr. Fateh Ullah Khan, MNA, convened today to recommend the passage of the Pakistan Air Safety Investigation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the National Assembly. The proposed legislation aims to address statutory inconsistencies and align administrative procedures following the merger of the former Aviation Division into the Defence Division in February 2025. The session began with a solemn moment of Fateha to honor the martyrs of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices in protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty.

According to the National Assembly of Pakistan, the amendment bill seeks to implement structural updates and modernize regulations to enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s aviation safety framework. Changes include renaming the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation (BASI) to the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation Pakistan (BASIP) and upgrading the position of the bureau chief from Director to Director General. The bill also proposes adjustments to employment rules, focusing restrictions on regular employees while relaxing requirements for temporary staff. Other provisions empower the Secretary of Defence to grant waivers in cases without conflicts of interest, ensure swift judicial processes for offences, and correct previous drafting errors in the 2023 Act.

In addition to legislative matters, the Committee evaluated compliance with past directives and advanced infrastructure and public welfare projects. Members examined the Skardu Airport expansion, deciding to conduct a site visit to oversee progress. The Committee also instructed the Ministry of Defence to report on the development of free monthly medical camps for civilians near defence facilities by the next meeting.