ISLAMABAD: Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, during a meeting for reviewing the proposed Aviation Policy put forth by the Aviation Division, has directed to present the Policy in the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet for finalisation.
The National Aviation Policy (NAP) was last launched in 2000 and Pakistan operates without any aviation policy for the last 15 years.
During the meeting, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Aviation, Captain Shujaat Azim told the Finance Minister about the salient features of the policy, saying it aimed at promoting professionalism in the aviation sector through public-private partnership.
Shujaat said that the policy envisaged strengthening Pak Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) and incentivising aviation business in Pakistan. Public-private partnerships, Shujaat said would be introduced for airport operations, management and development. He explained that in order to enhance regulation of aviation services, paid-up capital requirement was being enhanced for airlines coming into business. A minimum number of aircraft required for domestic and international operations was also being reviewed, he added.
He hinted at outsourcing the management of landside and terminal buildings to known international companies engaged in airport business through a transparent process at major airports. Shujaat said private investment would be encouraged for overall promotion of the aviation sector.
The minister appreciated the initiatives taken by the Aviation Division and directed that the policy document may be presented to the ECC in due course for consideration. He hoped that the policy, when it was finally implemented, would help in the growth of aviation sector in Pakistan and contribute to strengthening of the economy.
