New aviation policy ready, says minister

KARACHI: Federal Minister for Aviation Muhammad Mian Soomro said on Monday that a new aviation policy is ready and will soon be presented before the federal cabinet for approval.

Speaking to the media, he said the new policy had been worked out in consultation with all stakeholders, adding that it was expected to boost the country’s urban aviation.

Soomro said a business plan to revive the crippling Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) would be unveiled within the next three weeks. He said the national flag carrier will also activate more routes, which would improve its financial health.

He said aviation laws were also being eased for international airlines. The government was also focusing on promotion of tourism, he said, adding that six to eight international airlines, including British Airways and German Airline Lufthansa, had expressed their interest to launch their flight operations in Pakistan.

Commenting on the current political environment of the country, especially of Sindh, he said there were several ways to send the Pakistan People’s Party-led Sindh government packing.