The Aviation Ministry of
Pakistan presented a comprehensive report to the National Assembly on Monday,
highlighting the significant revenue generated by the country's airports over
the past three financial years. According to the ministry's data, three major
airports, namely Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Allama Iqbal
International Airport in Lahore, and Islamabad International Airport,
collectively earned a staggering Rs130 billion during this period.
The breakdown of the revenue
showed that Jinnah International Airport in Karachi contributed Rs40 billion,
Allama Iqbal International Airport in La
hore earned Rs44 billion, while
Islamabad International Airport topped the list with Rs46 billion in revenue.
Buoyed by this success, the
Aviation Ministry is determined to further enhance revenues and improve the
overall standards of these airports. To achieve this, the ministry unveiled
plans to outsource the management and operations of the three major airports in
Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. However, to allay concerns, the ministry
assured that the ownership of the airports' assets would remain with the civil
aviation authority.
In addition to the airport
revenue report, the Cabinet Division also shed light on the telecom sector's employment
figures, with a particular focus on the adoption of 3G and 4G technologies.
Since the introduction of these advanced technologies, the telecom sector has
proven to be a significant job creator, generating approximately 200,000 job
opportunities.
Out of the total jobs
created, 5,780 individuals were directly employed by telecom companies, while a
substantial number of 50,000 job opportunities were offered by mobile device
manufacturing companies. At present, about 44,200 employees are working in various
capacities within telecom companies, showcasing the sector's remarkable growth.
Furthermore, the country
has experienced a surge in internet users, with the number now surpassing an
impressive 128 million.
The Pakistan
Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has also been proactive in ensuring quality
standards in the telecom sector. Over the last four years, the PTA conducted
547 quality check surveys to maintain service excellence. In response to any
violations, the authority issued 37 show cause notices and imposed fines
amounting to a total of Rs68.9 million.
In March, the government
took a significant step toward optimizing airport operations and management.
The Cabinet's Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved an advisory
service agreement with a branch of the World Bank Group. The agreement aimed at
handing over the operations of three international airports in Pakistan to a
foreign entity. This move is expected to bring in international expertise and
investment, ultimately leading to the further growth of Pakistan's aviation
sector.
It should be noted that the
draft Transaction Advisory Agreement (TASA) between the Pakistan Civil Aviation
Authority (PCCA) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) raised
discussions on its perceived favorability towards the IFC. The agreement
outlined safeguards and penalties in case Pakistan opted to terminate the
contract.
These recent developments
reflect the government's determination to optimize airport revenues and
stimulate growth in the telecom sector, consequently creating job opportunities
and fostering improved connectivity across the country. As these initiatives
progress, it is imperative to maintain a balance that ensures equitable
arrangements and benefits for both the government and all stakeholders
involved.
Source: Express Tribune