CAA criticized over questionable appointment
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is under fire for alleged mismanagement
in the appointment of the Additional Director Aero Medical. This position is
crucial, as the appointees are responsible for assessing the medical fitness of
commercial pilots.
Despite the previous fake licenses scandal that severely impacted Pakistan's
aviation sector, the CAA appears to have not learned from past mistakes. In
2020, the revelation that 262 out of 860 pilots held fake licenses led to the
grounding of about 150 pilots and a subsequent ban on Pakistani airlines by
European authorities.
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The recent controversy emerged as the aviation minister presented an interim
report on the PIA Flight PK-8303 crash, which killed 85 passengers in Karachi
on May 22, 2020. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended its
ban on PIA, citing the need for professional qualifications in civil aviation.
Sources reveal that the CAA has continued to make questionable appointments.
The previous holder of the Additional Director Aero Medical position, despite
having a hearing impairment, was responsible for assessing pilots' hearing
abilities. This appointment was made despite objections from the Human Resource
department and the use of another doctor as a stand-in during an ICAO audit
visit.
Dr. Ahreema Badar, recently appointed to the position, lacks the required
experience and recognized academic credentials. She does not hold an Aerospace
Medicine Diploma from the ICAO-recognized institute in Karachi, and her diploma
is from a non-HEC recognized university. Dr. Badar’s resume also shows no
experience in pilot medical assessments, contrary to ICAO's mandatory
requirements.
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When questioned, CAA officials insisted that all appointments are made on
merit, following a strict and transparent procedure. However, they did not
address Dr. Badar’s lack of relevant experience.
These revelations have raised serious concerns among commercial pilots about
the potential for renewed scrutiny and skepticism regarding Pakistani pilots'
licenses if international organizations become aware of these issues.
Source: Pakistan Today