Key points
- Pakistani airlines had to hire foreign pilots due to Covid-19
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairs cabinet meeting
- Premier lauds inauguration of Gwadar International Airport
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the extension of licences for 86 foreign pilots currently employed in the south Asian country for the past two years.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Cabinet also approved a three-year extension for the foreign validation of new pilots joining this year. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Covid-19 pandemic
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed that Pakistani airlines had to hire pilots from abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic and restrictions on Pakistani pilots in recent years.
The premier also told the meeting that the Gwadar International Airport is a gift for Pakistan from China and “we should honour it” according to Radio Pakistan. He said the start of flight operations from Gwadar International Airport is also a welcoming step.
Earlier in a major step forward for Pakistan’s development and aviation sector, the south Asian country marked a historic moment on Monday as commercial flights officially commenced operations at Gwadar International Airport.
International standards
The state-of-the-art airport, with 3.6km long runway fit for landing of larger aircraft, was completed in December 2024 at a cost of $246 million and is spread over an area of 4,300 acres equipped with international standard facilities.
The new Gwadar International Airport is equipped with international standards and facilities. Local media cited Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) as saying that the Airport has been completely operational and has the potential to turn the region into an economic hub.