Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
A legislative body of Upper House of parliament on Monday directed the authorities concerned that that maximum measures must be taken to facilitate passengers at all airports.
The passengers usually going abroad were confronting multiple problems while taking Boarding Pass. Most of these passengers going abroad for working and in return they were greatly contributed in earning of precious foreign exchange, which according to the legislators the country badly needed now a day. These views were expressed in the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation, which was held today at Parliament House, while Senator Hidayatullah was on chair. Members were briefed on various issues that currently being faced by the Aviation Sector in Pakistan.
Reviewing the matter of setting up security agencies counters in one place at different airports the Committee was informed that the direction has been followed to the dot. Regarding distance of the Islamabad Airport building from the parking lot the Committee was informed that the passengers could take the drop lane facility for convenience.
Senator Saleem Mandviwala, Senator Syed Muhammad Sabir Shah, Senator Umer Farooq, Senator Faisal Saleem Rahman and senior officers from the Ministry of Aviation attended the meeting.
Matters taken up by the Committee included bidding process of the Allama Iqbal International Airport, Remittances due to ticket sales not being allowed to remit foreign exchange, Action against those appointed in PIA on fake degrees, setting up security agencies counters in one place at different airports and Distance of the Islamabad Airport building from the parking lot.
The Committee while deliberating details of bidding process of the Allama Iqbal International Airport was informed that the lowest bidder M/s Sinohydro was selected after an intensive bidding process on the basis of lowest Readout Bidder.
However, the bidder now has been trying to move out of the contract. The Committee was informed that the initial requirements have also not been fulfilled that entails 10 percent Performance Security. The Committee recommended that the contractor be summoned in the next meeting so that matter could be reviewed in detail.
Discussing the issue of remittances due to ticket sales not being allowed to remit foreign exchange the Committee was informed that foreign airlines were under no obligation to share their financial statements with Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) including outstanding remittances. The Committee directed PCAA to provide any details regarding payments/remittances available with it to the Committee. It also recommended that representatives of airlines be invited in the next meeting for clarity on the subject.
Reviewing the matter related to action against those appointed in PIA on fake degrees, the Committee was informed that as per the recommendation of the Ministry of Law and Justice the issue has been forwarded to the Ministry of Interior.
Discussing the survival of PIA in the Aviation Industry, the need to revamp the business on the Air India Model was stressed.
