Cabinet ends open sky policy

By NewsdeskISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has decided to end Pakistan’s open sky policy in its new “revolutionary” civil aviation policy which aims to boost the country’s ailing domestic carriers and pro-actively promote tourism.Briefing reporters about the various decisions made in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said: “The government has decided to end the country’s open sky policy which proved to be disastrous for PIA [Pakistan International Airlines].”Open skies call for the liberalisation of rules and regulations of the international aviation industry, in particular, commercial aviation to create a free-market environment for the airline industry.“Most of the profitable routes were given to international airlines which led to a huge loss for PIA,” Chaudhry said, adding that all agreements with international airlines would be reviewed.In policies seeking to jump-start the country’s tourism sector, Chaudhry said travelling to Pakistan’s tourist resorts would be facilitated by reducing the cost of travel. “Facilities, including reduction in travelling expenses and cuts in taxes worth Rs3.8 billion will be offered to promote tourism and the aviation sector.”He said the cabinet also discussed starting a helicopter and 40-seat plane service to tourist sites in the country — including Gilgit-Baltistan and Swat. “The purpose of this initiative is to benefit the local aviation industry,” he said, adding it was necessary to improve travel facilities to the country’s tourist spots to attract “elite tourism”.The minister also announced that passenger airlines in Pakistan would be allowed to import aeroplanes which are 18 years old, a departure from the the previous limit of 12 years. Cargo planes up to 30 years old could also be imported.New recommendations with regards to aviation included charges on flight kitchens being abolished, and the reduction of taxes on domestic routes. The minister also announced a special initiative by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to pay up to Rs400,000 in fees to attract women to become pilots.He said under a pilot project, e-visa facility was being provided to five countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. He added people from 58 countries could get visa on arrival, while 170 other countries would be given e-visa facility soon.The minister also said foreigners would no longer need a no-objection certificate to move across the the country.Speaking about the Kartarpur Corridor, the minister said the corridor would be opened for Sikh pilgrims to travel to the shrine by November this year. “In order to ensure the required arrangements and facilitate the Sikh pilgrims, a 10-member Pakistan Gurdawara Parbandhak Committee has been constituted,” he added.On construction, the minister said the cabinet has allowed the construction of high-rise buildings in the capital and for this purpose, there will be no need to obtain a no-objection certificate from the Capital Development Authority.To a question, he expressed the confidence that Pakistan would fulfil the conditions of the Financial Action Task Force by September.

from The News International - Top Story https://ift.tt/2UZMGgy