ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence strongly condemned the irresponsible and controversial statements made by the former aviation minister, observing that they had severely damaged Pakistan’s international aviation reputation and caused substantial financial losses. It also directed the Ministry of Defence to submit a comprehensive report on the issue.
Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, appreciated the recent privatisation of PIA and expressed optimism that the national aviation sector would continue to recover with the restoration and expansion of international routes, particularly to Europe.
The Senate Committee received a briefing from the Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) events, the upcoming monsoon season, flood preparedness and early warning systems. Stressing the growing challenges of climate change, Chairman Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood directed the relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take timely preventive measures to protect lives and property. The Committee also discussed alleged commercial activities in residential areas of Rawalpindi Cantonment in violation of court directives. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured members that the matter would be reviewed by the cantonment authorities and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law.
Discussing unusually high airfares on the Quetta route, the Senate Committee sought details of the fare-setting mechanism. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said airfares are market-driven and that the Ministry of Defence is not responsible for regulating or capping fares. The Committee stressed the need to maintain air connectivity for remote regions, including Quetta, Gilgit and Chitral, with the chairman directing that mandatory flight operations on socio-economic routes be ensured through appropriate licensing conditions. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured the Committee of his full cooperation, while members also sought details of airlines penalised for failing to operate mandatory flights to underserved regions. Airline representatives briefed the Committee on the commercial viability of these routes, but members voiced concern over the frequent cancellation of flights to Gilgit, Chitral and Quetta, allegedly due to adverse weather, and called for an investigation. Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood urged airlines to expand services, directed the Ministry to ensure regular flight operations, and praised Air Sial while encouraging carriers to induct ATR aircraft to improve connectivity to remote areas.
The Committee also examined allegations of PPRA rule violations in the proposed Rs20 billion E-Gate Project. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif clarified that no contract had been awarded and assured members of full transparency and parliamentary oversight, while the chairman directed that all procurement processes strictly comply with the law.
Discussing Gwadar International Airport, officials said efforts were underway to increase air traffic and improve operational viability, adding that the reopening of Iranian airspace could create opportunities for greater utilisation of the airport. Senator Talha directed the authorities to accelerate efforts to fully operationalise the facility. Reviewing Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, the Committee expressed concern over inadequate passenger facilities and deteriorating infrastructure.
