Islamabad, July 13, 2023 (PPI-OT): The management of Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) apprised the National Assembly Standing Committee on Aviation that Government of Pakistan has initiated a process to outsource the operations and management at Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore airports to generate foreign exchange reserves for its ailing economy. He informed that PCCA are not selling the Airports, they are just giving the operation and management controls for a period of time.

2. 14th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Aviation was held today at 11:00 a.m. in the Conference Room of Ministry of Aviation, Kohsar Block, Pak-Secretariat, Islamabad under the Chairmanship of Syed Mobeen Ahmed, MNA.

3. The Director General, PCAA apprised the Committee that after the amendment in rule 68-rule PCCA Act, the authority of NOC is shifted completely from PCAA to Building Control Authorities and they have completely failed in doing their job, quoting the example of Saima builders in Karachi. The Committee recommended to amend the said rule and take back the authority to take strict action against the illegal constructions. He further added that the bird strike cases have been increased and they have taken steps like they close the flight operations 6-8 a.m. in the Lahore Airport, bird repellant system is enhanced, awareness campaigns regarding the disposal of waste of sacrificial animals are circulated to public through social as well as print media.

4. A Committee Member pointed out the incident of PIA air hostess’s death over which the CEO PIA said that this accident happened due to the unsafe motorway in this incident a boy jumped over the barrier and came in front of the vehicle due to which the accident occurred. The Hon. Member of the Committee also mentioned the increase in the tax percentage of pilots from 7.5% to 32% over this the CEO PIA assured that they have solved this matter by increasing the salary of pilots and most of the staff is happy with their decision.

5. The Chief Executive Officer, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) explained that they have developed a system by downloading and maintaining the bugs are immediately fixed of every Aeroplane. Further yearly test of every Aeroplane is conducted by issuing a certificate of air worthiness. He further added that PIA’s financial condition cannot bear much expenses so they have hired a contractor for the transport purpose. The Committee asked about the complaint system on the airports. The Director General, PCAA replied that they have complaint boxes at multiple places in the airport and the complaints are taken very seriously.

6. The meeting was attended by Ms. Romina Khurshid’s Alam, Ms. Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Dr. Darshan, Mr. Ramesh Lal and Ms. Saira Bano, MNAs. Senior officers of Ministry of Aviation PCAA, PIA and Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) were also present in the meeting.

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Secretary,

National Assembly of Pakistan

Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,

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Tel: +92-51-9221082-83

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Website: www.na.gov.pk