PIA’s privatization nearing final stages
The Standing Committee on Aviation
has announced that the privatization of Pakistan International Airlines
Corporation (PIA) is nearing its final stages. This update came during the
committee's second meeting, chaired by Nawabzada Iftikhar Ahmed Khan Babar,
MNA, at the Parliament House in Islamabad.
During the session, the committee
was informed of the progress made in privatizing PIAC. It was highlighted that
the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) currently oversees 22 out of 43 airports,
including 13 international ones, amidst ongoing budget constraints that have
affected development efforts. The committee also discussed the need for
improvements in food service quality and the conduct of CAA staff towards
passengers, aimed at enhancing overall travel experiences.
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established to expedite privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Additionally, the committee received
updates from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) regarding plans to
install new radar systems in Quetta, Dera Ismail Khan, Cherat, Gwadar, and
Lahore. These installations are part of broader initiatives under the World
Bank-funded Hydromet Project, which also includes the deployment of mobile
radars and automatic weather stations to bolster early weather forecasting and
flood warnings through the Kisan Mobile application.
Concerns were raised during the
meeting about structural issues at the aircraft parking area of Allama Iqbal
International Airport, Lahore, to which the CAA responded by affirming that
necessary repairs are underway. The committee also addressed matters concerning
the appointment of aero-medical staff and pilot licensing, requesting
comprehensive reports from relevant authorities.
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The meeting, attended by several
MNAs and ministry officials, underscored ongoing efforts and challenges in
Pakistan's aviation sector amidst strategic reforms.
Source: Pro Pakistani