The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) disclosed to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Aviation that the government had initiated a process to outsource the management and operations of the airports in Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore.
Chaired by Syed Mobeen Ahmed, the meeting revealed that the step was taken to bolster foreign exchange reserves. It was clarified to the committee that the PCAA was not selling the airports but merely outsourcing their operational and managerial aspects.
Shift in Regulatory Power and Response to Bird Strikes
PCAA Director General, Khaqan Murtaza, informed the committee that after a change in rule 68 of the CAA Act, the PCAA lost its authority to issue no-objection certificates, which was then transferred to building control authorities. However, these bodies failed to carry out this responsibility effectively. The committee suggested an amendment to the rule, proposing action against unlawful constructions.
Mr. Murtaza added that an increase in bird strike incidents has led to a temporary halt in flight operations from 6 to 8 am at Lahore airport. In response, the PCAA has bolstered the bird-repellent system and initiated awareness campaigns.
Addressing PIA Staff Concerns and Complaint System Improvement
One committee member highlighted a fatal accident involving a PIA air hostess, to which the PIA’s CEO attributed the accident to an “unsafe motorway” where a boy jumped over the barrier, causing the mishap. He stated that due to PIA’s strained financial situation, a contractor has outsourced transport services.
The CEO also responded to concerns over an increased tax percentage for pilots from 7.5% to 32%. He assured that the issue was addressed by raising pilots’ salaries, a decision which received positive feedback from most of the staff.
Upon questioning about the complaint system at the airports, the Director General shared that complaint boxes had been installed at various airport locations, and all lodged complaints were addressed seriously.
The meeting was attended by Romina Khurshid Alam, Shahnaz Saleem Malik, Dr. Darshan, Ramesh Lal, and Saira Bano, along with senior officers of the Ministry of Aviation, PCAA, PIA, and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board.
