ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority in a local Hotel hosted the 11Th meeting of Directors General of Civil Aviation of the Developing-8 (D-8) Organization on 27th November, 2017, under Aviation Division of Cabinet Secretariat. Advisor to the Prime Minister on Aviation, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, inaugurated the Meeting.
D-8 is a global cooperation amongst major developing countries which include Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkey. The objectives of D-8 Forum are to improve member states’ position in the global economy and enhance the living standard of its people by creating new opportunities in trade relationship.
The Forum of D-8 on Aviation has been holding regular meetings represented by the Directors General and Expert Working Group on Civil Aviation to identify and discuss the technical challenges and business opportunities within D-8 Countries. The meeting provides an opportunity to Aviation Industry and government authorities to participate and meet the key-decision makers from the D-8 Countries.
Welcoming the Director Generals and other participants of the member states, DG Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, Air Marshal (R) Asim Suleiman, emphasized on strengthening the cooperation through coordinated, integrated and allied collaboration amongst D-8 member states in all spheres of Civil Aviation. He added it is essential to progress and move forward globally from ‘Developing’ to ‘Developed’ Civil Aviation activities. He further highlighted joint safety and security, as the key areas where the forum must play its part.
Secretary General of D-8 organization, Syed Ali Mohammad Mousavi, in his keynote speech highlighted the increased role of D-8 countries in improving the economic position of the member states.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, placed emphasis on fostering sustained, peaceful and unifying ties amongst all member states, directed towards improving the economy and the living standard of the people of D-8 countries. Commenting on the theme “Adding Wings to Economic Growth and Social Uplift in D–8 Countries” he agreed with Director General of Pakistan Civil Aviation, that it must be put to work, in the benefit of our people.
The participants appreciated the bold initiatives taken by the present Government to ensure safety of aircraft, facilitation to the travelling passengers and ensuring their safety and security. There has been complete revamping of the Air Navigation System, up-gradation and extension of Civil Airports and acquisition of state of the art security equipment. Radars with enhanced coverage have already been installed along with ADS-B systems, which shall be completed by mid-2018. Multan International Airport has been expanded and new boarding bridges have been installed at JIAP-Karachi. Expansion of AIIAP-Lahore is planned to start next year, however, BKIAP-Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad are in process of up-gradation. The New Islamabad International Airport-NIIAP is scheduled to be inaugurated soon.
The Meeting also highlighted CPEC under which several new economic and industrial zones are being established in various parts of Pakistan. These projects and number of domestic/ international flights would rise substantially, besides increase in passenger and cargo services, which will consequently give more boost to the Civil Aviation sector in our region.
The Meeting was also attended by Secretary Aviation, Industry Participants from D-8 Countries , CEOs of Aerospace Industry, Airlines and other major stakeholders in Aviation. The Meeting l concluded on 28thNovember, 2017.
