Press Release Title: Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad

Press Release Date: 22nd September, 2026

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Defence was held in Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Talha Mahmood. Senator Umar Farooq, Senator Masroor Ahmed, Senator Atta-ur-Rehman, and Senator Dost Khan Dhondki, along with relevant officials, attended the meeting. Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi also participated in the proceedings as Special Invitee.  During the meeting, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence briefed the committee on various matters. A detailed briefing was given on the current situation at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, the increasing delays in flights, and the reasons behind delays. The Civil Aviation Authority Pakistan (CAA Pakistan) apprised the committee of the factors contributing to the increase in flight delays. Regarding the current situation at Karachi Airport, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence stated that the factors responsible for the situation should be reviewed and that the relevant issues concerning how the airport reached its current condition need to be examined. He said that measures have been taken to improve the airport. The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence requested the committee members dto conduct a detailed visit to Karachi Airport, saying that senators could inspect the airport and review the measures undertaken for its improvement. He also stated that a comparative assessment of the airport's previous and current conditions would be presented to the committee. The briefing stated that since the aviation sector came under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence on February 4, 2025, various measures have been taken to improve airports and the aviation sector. The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence informed the committee that special attention has been given to airports in Balochistan over the past one and a half years. The number of flights operating to various airports in Balochistan has been increased, while night-flight facilities have also been introduced at several airports. He said that detailed information regarding improvements at Balochistan's airports and the increase in flight operations would be provided separately to the committee. Briefing the committee on the reasons for flight delays and cancellations, the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence stated that technical issues were also among the contributing factors. He explained that a delay involving a single aircraft or an issue affecting its availability could have an impact on the entire operational system. He stated that additional aircraft are expected to be added to the fleets of private airlines soon, with more aircraft expected to be inducted by December. AirSial, Airblue, and other airlines have also taken steps to acquire new aircraft. According to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, an increase in the number of aircraft is expected to improve flight availability and enhance the quality of services provided to passengers. The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence stated that Peshawar Airport requires complete renovation as well as a new terminal building. Regarding Gilgit Airport, the committee was informed that Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) currently has two ATR aircraft operating for Gilgit. The briefing stated that Gilgit is an important air destination and that plans are underway to induct new aircraft by the upcoming season. The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence stated that the runway and lighting systems at the existing Gilgit Airport have been modernised and renovated. Following the improvements, other airlines can now also consider commencing operations there. The briefing further stated that a feasibility study for the establishment of a new greenfield airport on approximately 1,800 acres of land is at an advanced stage. The Secretary of the Ministry of Defence said that the final site for the new airport would be selected in light of the committee's recommendations. The committee was informed that the privatisation process has resulted in a trend toward improved airline performance. According to the briefing, following the proposed privatisation of PIA, private airlines are taking steps to increase their operational capacity and expand their fleets. The briefing stated that Airblue has expanded its operations and added three to four new aircraft to its fleet. Airlines are also being encouraged to operate smaller aircraft, including ATR and Embraer aircraft, on regional and short-haul routes. During the meeting, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi presented various proposals concerning airports and air connectivity in the province. Faisal Karim Kundi said that domestic air routes should be reviewed. He stressed the need for direct air links from Peshawar to Swat and Lahore, saying that such connectivity could provide passengers with improved travel facilities. The Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also emphasised the restoration of Dera Ismail Khan Airport and the commencement of commercial flight operations. He said that convenient and affordable air travel facilities should be provided for passengers from Peshawar and the southern districts of the province.   The committee reviewed matters relating to flight delays, difficulties faced by passengers, the current condition of airports, improvements in air connectivity, and the expansion of air travel facilities in different parts of the country.