Pakistan civil aviation authority dismisses claims Air Arabia 'illegally' acquired domestic license

An Air Arabia Airbus A320 aircraft is seen taxiing at Qatar's Hamad International Airport near the capital Doha on January 18, 2021. (AFP/File)
Short Url
Updated 15 February 2022
Follow

Pakistan civil aviation authority dismisses claims Air Arabia 'illegally' acquired domestic license

  • In September, Pakistan’s Lakson Group and Air Arabia announced joint venture to launch Fly Jinnah airline
  • PIA says 'illegal' for foreign group to get domestic license,' PCAA says Fly Jinnah local carrier as majority stakeholder a Pakistani company

KARACHI: Pakistani airlines have raised objections with the prime minister against upcoming airline Fly Jinnah, jointly launched by an Emirati group and a Pakistani business conglomerate, but the country's aviation authority has dismissed claims a foreign airline is being allowed to "illegally" acquire a domestic license, saying the airline would be a local carrier as the majority stakeholder was the Pakistani partner.

Lakson Group, one of Pakistan's leading business conglomerates, and Air Arabia Group, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) operator, announced last September they had formed a joint venture to launch Fly Jinnah, a low-cost passenger airline serving domestic and international routes from Pakistan.

But the new airline is now facing opposition from Pakistani competitors.

Abdullah Khan, a spokesperson for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), told Arab News PIA’s chief executive had written two letters to Prime Minister Imran Khan in December and January requesting a meeting over the issue of granting a domestic license to a foreign airline. The letter, seen by Arab News, said two domestic airlines, AirSial and SereneAir, have also objected to the move, though this could not be independently verified.

The PIA spokesperson said the request for the meeting had not yet been accepted.

“Foreign carriers operating domestic routes is termed ‘cabotage' in technical aviation terms and is not allowed even in the most liberal countries as it goes against national interests,” Khan said. “The matter is not against creating competition, as competition brings improvements in products and develops the industry; however the competition has to be fair, in a level playing field.”

In a letter to the PM dated January 7, PIA CEO Arshad Malik said allowing Fly Jinnah operations "will be extremely counterproductive for an ailing and suppressed domestic aviation industry.”

"Technically it [joint venture] translates into an agreement by a local airline with a foreign airline Air Arabia, which will bring their aircraft, capture the local market and use this predatory method to circumvent the National Aviation Policy," the letter said. "This excess opportunity to Air Arabia, under the cloak of foreign investment by Fly Jinnah will virtually allow a foreign carrier to operate domestically, a phenomenon that is controlled by even by the most liberal countries such as the USA."

The PIA CEO thus requested a combined briefing by all domestic airline chief executives for the prime minister "to clarify the facts pertaining to the aforementioned subject and its long-term impact on the economic fate of all domestic airlines which are already struggling to survive."

However, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) dismissed the claim that the joint venture between Lakson and Air Arabia Group was "illegal."

“In the upcoming airline operator Fly Jinnah, Lakson Group is a majority stakeholder and thus the airline is a local player in the country's aviation sector and will be a Pakistani national air carrier,” he said. “The impression that local routes are being doled out to a foreign airline is not accurate.”

The PCAA spokesperson said the country's civil aviation policy and regulations allowed for the joint venture, which was also in line with the national foreign direct investment (FDI) policy.  

PCAA said Fly Jinnah had already received the license and the airline was in the process of getting an air operator's certificate (AOC), after which the permission for flights would be granted.

Fly Jinnah will initially be based in Karachi and operate on a range of domestic routes across Pakistan, before expanding its operations internationally.  

Currently Pakistan has only three private airlines, AirBlue, SereneAir and AirSial.

An official at the Lakson Group, the local partner of Air Arabia, declined to comment, while a representative of the UAE-based airline in Pakistan didn’t respond despite repeated calls and messages.


At UNSC, Pakistan calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urgent humanitarian support to Palestinians

Updated 18 February 2025
Follow

At UNSC, Pakistan calls for permanent ceasefire in Gaza, urgent humanitarian support to Palestinians

  • The statement comes amid a six-week truce between Hamas and Israel that ended 15-month war, which has killed over 48,000 Palestinians
  • Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar rejects any displacement of the Palestinian people, urges revival of a process to achieve two-state solution

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to people affected by Israel’s war as he addressed a high-level debate at United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Dar was addressing the debate, titled “Practicing Multilateralism: Reforming and Improving Global Governance,” which was convened by China. The session was presided over by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The statement came amid a six-week truce announced on Jan. 19 between Hamas and Israel that ended 15 months of war, involving the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the north.
Addressing the session, Dar emphasized the need for international commitment to multilateralism to address emerging global challenges, calling for upholding principles of the UN Charter, including self-determination, the non-use of force, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“He called for the full implementation of the agreement to secure a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza and the urgent humanitarian support to the Palestinian people and the revival of a political process to achieve the two-state solution,” the Pakistani foreign office said.
Israel’s war on Gaza, which began after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, has killed more than 48,000 Palestinians and displaced almost all of Gaza’s 2 million population by laying waste to swathes of neighborhoods, schools and hospitals.
The deputy prime minister condemned the massive loss of civilian lives and the persistent Israeli violations of the international law.
“He rejected any displacement of the Palestinian people from their homeland,” the foreign office added.
The statement followed remarks by United States (US) President Donald Trump and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu about the relocation of Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan or other countries, which have been rejected by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan and other nations apart from being condemned by international rights groups.
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters
In his address, the Pakistan deputy premier also proposed the adoption of a roadmap for strengthening multilateralism and reforming the global governance.
“He emphasized the need for a more inclusive, democratic, and accountable Security Council, reforming the international financial architecture and strengthening international cooperation to address emerging challenges, particularly the regulation of transformative technologies like artificial intelligence,” the foreign office added.


Pakistani forces kill 30 militants in restive province bordering Afghanistan

Updated 18 February 2025
Follow

Pakistani forces kill 30 militants in restive province bordering Afghanistan

  • The deaths occurred during an intelligence-based operation in the volatile South Waziristan district
  • The development follows kidnapping of a traders’ union president and two Pakistan Customs officials

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces have killed 30 militants in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, the military said on Tuesday, amid a surge in militant violence in the restive region that borders Afghanistan.
Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in the country, particularly in KP, since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022.
The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.
The militants were killed during an intelligence-based operation in Sararogha area of KP’s South Waziristan district, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
“Sanitization operation is being conducted to eliminate any other Kharji [militant] found in the area,” the ISPR said in a statement.
The development came days after unidentified men kidnapped a traders’ union president and two Pakistan Customs officials in the district, according to local administration. While no group claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, TTP was suspected of involvement in it.
Islamabad has frequently blamed the surge in militant activities on Afghanistan, accusing it of sheltering and supporting militant groups that launch cross-border attacks. Afghan officials deny involvement and insist that Pakistan’s security issues are an internal matter of Islamabad.
The South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan, had been a stronghold of the TTP before successive military operations drove the militants out of the region more than a decade ago. Pakistan says TTP fighters have regrouped in the restive region in recent years.
 


Babar Azam says a lot has changed since last Champions Trophy, but Pakistan belief remains same

Updated 18 February 2025
Follow

Babar Azam says a lot has changed since last Champions Trophy, but Pakistan belief remains same

  • Defending champions and hosts Pakistan will face New Zealand in the opening match in Karachi on Wednesday
  • Azam heads into the tournament as the world’s top ranked batter and his form will be crucial for Pakistan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has said that a lot has changed since they last played the Champions Trophy, but his side’s belief was still the same.
The statement by the former Pakistan skipper came a day ahead of defending champions and hosts Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in Karachi.
Babar hit 46 from 52 balls in the 2017 Champions Trophy final against India that helped Pakistan on their way to a 180-run win at The Oval.
However, the right-hander refuses to live in the past and wants to make more memories in front of the adoring Pakistani public in the coming weeks.
“I am very excited. My primary memories of the 2017 final are Fakhar Zaman’s innings [of 114], the spell of Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali’s spell and the winning moment,” Azam was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“Playing against India, that excitement and the nervousness was there but when we won, we enjoyed and celebrated. [But] a lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming, we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence and execution is the same.”
Pakistan-New Zealand clash on Wednesday will include two of biggest names in the competition, with Azam set to go head-to-head with Kiwi star Kane Williamson.
Joe Root, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are part of the respective England, Australia and India squads but Azam stands in a league of his own in ODI cricket, heading into this competition as the world’s top ranked batter in the 50-over format.
“When you have responsibility as a senior player in any team and the team relies on you and has belief in you, then I take it in a positive way,” he said.
“I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan win and I enjoy my cricket.”
His form will be crucial if Pakistan are to improve on their recent tournament record. They have been knocked out in the group stage at the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and suffered the same fate at last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA.
But Azam said he does not have any “pressure.”
“What has happened in the past is beyond us. We have discussed mistakes we have made and we have worked on them. So we will try not to do what we have done in the past,” he was quoted as saying.
Azam’s home city of Lahore is among the three Pakistani cities hosting matches and he believes local knowledge will help his side thrive.
“When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions,” he said. “You have a knowledge of how the pitch will behave, both in the first and second (innings), but still you have to play good cricket because all other teams are among the best.”


Pakistan offers over 70 offshore and onshore blocks to foreign investors for oil and gas exploration

Updated 18 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan offers over 70 offshore and onshore blocks to foreign investors for oil and gas exploration

  • Pakistan, which imports most of its energy needs, is currently looking for ways to lessen the cost of power generation
  • The South Asian country is focusing on indigenization, electrification and liberalization to advance its energy sector

ISLAMABAD: Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik on Tuesday said that Pakistan was offering foreign investors 40 offshore and 31 onshore blocks for oil and gas exploration, Pakistani state media reported, as Islamabad pursues a multi-pronged strategy to advance the energy sector.
The statement by the petroleum minister came at the 30th Annual Technical Conference and Oil Show in Islamabad, which brought together experts, officials of regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to discuss oil and gas exploration, and renewable energy resources.
Pakistan is currently focusing on indigenization, electrification and liberalization to advance the energy sector, and has identified Access to Energy, Provision of Affordable Energy and Sustainability of Energy as fundamental pillars of its strategy.
Speaking at the conference, Malik said a significant portion of Pakistan’s natural resources remained unexplored and invited international investors to capitalize on opportunities in these newly opened blocks, the state-run APP news agency reported.
“Pakistan is open for business and we will provide all necessary facilitation to investors,” the petroleum minister was quoted as saying.
Pakistan, which has been struggling with an economic crisis, imports most of its energy needs and is currently looking for ways to lessen the cost of power generation.
Malik said reducing energy prices for the underprivileged was one of the government’s top priorities and efforts were underway to increase local production.
“We are utilizing domestic resources for energy,” he said, adding that Pakistan possessed untapped shale and tight gas reserves.
The minister said the government was introducing a deregulation policy and aimed to open the oil sector under a price cap mechanism, stressing the importance of transitioning the sector to modern technology.
“Prosperity will not come by simply introducing one machine,” he said. “For sustainable growth, we must engage in science and research ourselves.”


Punjab CM lays foundation stone of 300-bed Saudi-German Hospital in Lahore

Updated 18 February 2025
Follow

Punjab CM lays foundation stone of 300-bed Saudi-German Hospital in Lahore

  • $250 million hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment along international standards
  • The Saudi-German Hospital Network is a leading health care provider in UAE, Egypt, Yemen and Morocco

ISLAMABAD: Chief Minister of Pakistan’s most populous Punjab province, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has laid the foundation stone for a 300-bed Saudi-German Hospital in Smart City, Lahore, which will cost $250 million, state television reported on Tuesday.
The Saudi-German Hospital Network, founded in 1988, is a leading private health care provider in the Middle East and North Africa region. It is operated by the Middle East Healthcare Company and spans Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco and Pakistan.
Known for advanced medical care in specialties like cardiology, neurology and oncology, the Saudi-German Hospital collaborates with top German institutions and integrates AI-driven solutions. The network continues to expand and meet growing health care demands with a reputation for cutting-edge technology and skilled professionals.
“Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has laid the foundation stone of Saudi-German Hospital in Smart City Lahore,” Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) reported. “The hospital will be a 300-bed medical facility and will be completed at a cost of $250 million.”
The hospital will be equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and provide international standard medical facilities, it said, adding that the project would be a “huge source of employment for the people.”
PTV quoted Sharif as saying that the government values the private sector’s commitment to bringing positive changes to the country’s health care system.
She called improving the health care system her “priority,” with the Saudi-German Hospital marking a key milestone in enhancing public health and establishing a welfare society, according to state media.
Earlier in February, the Saudi Fund for Development approved a $40 million grant to build the King Salman Hospital in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Last August, the Saudi-German Hospital signed a partnership deal with the Capital Smart City in Islamabad.
Saudi Arabia has been a key ally of Pakistan, providing financial aid, oil subsidies and investments in sectors like energy and health care. The two nations share strong religious and cultural ties, with millions of Pakistani expatriates contributing to both economies. Their partnership is further strengthened through trade, defense cooperation and diplomatic support.