A British delegation has landed in Pakistan, marking a pivotal moment in the assessment of the country’s aviation safety protocols. Led by the UK Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the delegation’s primary objective is to evaluate the safety standards upheld by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). This evaluation holds significant weight as it directly impacts the potential resumption of flight operations between Pakistan and the UK.
The PCAA’s Director-General, Nadir Shafi Dar, along with a team of experts, is set to play host to the visiting delegation. This visit will see a series of high-level meetings between the British officials and their Pakistani counterparts, with a keen focus on scrutinizing aviation safety protocols, examining crucial documentation, and evaluating operational procedures within the aviation sector.
With a key emphasis on adherence to international standards, the British delegation will also conduct on-site inspections at various airlines to ensure compliance with global aviation norms. The groundwork for this assessment was laid through a series of technical discussions between CAA officials and their UK counterparts in recent months, setting the stage for this critical visit.
The anticipation surrounding the outcomes of the British delegation’s audit is palpable among CAA officials, who remain hopeful for positive results. Nadir Shafi Dar, Director General of PCAA, expressed readiness to engage with the British officials, underscoring the importance of transparency and cooperation in this evaluation process. The audit is scheduled to span from January 27 to February 6, 2025, encompassing a comprehensive review of aviation safety measures in Pakistan.
In a separate development, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recently commenced international flight operations from the New Gwadar International Airport, with the inaugural flight departing for Muscat, Oman. The maiden flight, PK-197, saw 39 passengers on board, with senior PIA officials present to bid them farewell. Looking ahead, PIA plans to operate a weekly flight on the Gwadar-Muscat route, further solidifying connectivity between these two destinations.
