Govt initiates reforms in CAA and pilots licensing policy, directs airlines to ensure transparency in procedures.

ISLAMABAD -- The Federal Cabinet was informed on Wednesday that the government had initiated reforms in the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), including the process for issuing licenses to pilots, while all the airlines in the country had been directed to ensure transparency in procedures.

Briefing newsmen about the decisions taken by the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz said the pilots now operating the planes of Pakistani airlines had 100 percent authentic degrees as all those with dubious credentials had been suspended.

He said five employees of the CAA had also been suspended till the whole process of reforms was completed. It had been directed to take further action on fast-track basis, where the degrees of the staff of all airlines, including pilots, engineers and ground staff. would be verified.

He said the prime minister strongly believed in merit and transparency in all sectors.

The minister read out a statement for the media, which said: "On the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the process of reforms has been initiated in the Civil Aviation Authority and all

Pakistani airlines to ensure the sanctity of proper licensing and fulfillment of all requirements by the pilots. A thorough forensic review has identified various instances where licensing requirements

were suspect, not fully adhering to the requirements of all examinations. To ensure highest safety requirements, and meet professional criteria, all identified suspects have been grounded.

"This grounding has been in effect since June 25, 2020. Due to certain instances of administrative lapses, five officials concerned of Civil Aviation Authority has been placed under suspension and an inquiry has been initiated against them. This process of professional upgradation and overall reforms will continue in all Pakistani airlines and CAA. On this the cabinet also instructed the CAA to pursue further actions in line with due process on a fast track basis.

It expressed confidence in the overall capability and performance of the fully licensed and well experienced and professional pilots of Pakistani airlines. The government also asked the relevant government departments to work with international partners to facilitate travel and avoid any difficulty for passengers.

Senator Shibli Faraz said the cabinet deliberated on the report of the Auditor General and expressed satisfaction that...

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