Pakistan’s CAA is already under scrutiny by ICAO and EU for its failure and capability to perform the role of a regulatory authority. All airlines operating under PCAA are restricted from operating into the European Union airspace and other countries, till such time, a Safety Audit of its capacity to perform its regulatory functions is evaluated by ICAO and EASA, even if COVID19 pandemic is contained.

All Pakistani airports used by commercial aviation have been declared Red for Bird Activity and a Flight Safety Hazard. Even though constructions within the 15 KM Safe Zone have been issued NOC by CAA or a waiver granted, the commercial airlines operating from these airports have to offload revenue load to meet mandatory safe vertical separation in case of critical engine failure. Bird activity in the vicinity of all airports is a consequence of residential and commercial construction where people reside or gather, and waste that accumulates attracts birds.

The design and award of contracts for construction of New Islamabad Airport was carried out under supervision of CAA. Within months of scheduled operation starting from Islamabad airport, there have been numerous incidents of roofs leaking or collapsing, while the two parallel Runways built for simultaneous arrivals and departures cannot be used because the horizontal separation is lesser than the minimum required. As if this was not enough, CAA and District Administration have allowed housing societies to emerge near Islamabad airport and few of them have managed to get a NOC/ Waiver for height restrictions.

As long as CAA and all SOE are considered spoils of war and instead of appointing qualified professionals, they become dumping grounds for retired or serving civil or uniformed officers and political cronies, they will continue to be a burden on the Exchequer.

MALIK TARIQ ALI,

Lahore.