Aviation Security: The United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE-GCAA) team has certified that aviation security at Pakistan’s northern and southeastern airports of Islamabad and Karachi meets international standards, according to an official statement issued on Friday after completing an inspection aimed at improving security protocols in the country. ISLAMABAD
In 2020, intense scrutiny fell on Pakistan’s aviation regulations after accusing around 262 out of 860 current pilots of obtaining fraudulent licenses. This scrutiny led to grounding approximately 150 pilots from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and other airlines.
This disclosure occurred following the terrible accident of PIA Flight 8303 in Karachi, which resulted in the suspension of PIA operations in the EU and other countries, as well as demands for regulatory reforms to increase safety standards and transparency.
The two-member UAE official team, led by senior GCAA director Abdullah Al Kaabi, came in Pakistan last month for a week-long examination of the country’s two aviation facilities. They visited the federal capital before moving to Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.
“Safety procedures align with global requirements and prevailing best practices,” Al Kaabi told the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). “The visit of the UAE-GCAA team has been completed.”
The delegation evaluated airport sections, including passenger and baggage screening, cargo, and catering facilities. They also assessed direct flights from the UAE, ground handling, and the flight’s cargo brokers.
The PCAA noted the UAE-GCAA visit as a first, continuing UK Department of Transport evaluations.
Pakistan and the UAE share close ties.