ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Aviation has recommended that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) should be given the authority to determine the maximum height for the construction of high-rise buildings around airports.
According to sources, the decision comes as hindrances to flight operations persist despite the relocation of airports away from residential areas.
The committee believes that housing societies built around airports have created a hazardous environment that puts the safety of passengers and crew at risk.
Furthermore, CAA was previously given the responsibility of monitoring the development authorities of the concerned areas under the policy of a “one window operation”, but the committee recommends re-establishing CAA’s authority to prevent future hazards.
Besides, the committee has also called for a formal report from CAA on the illegalities occurring at funnel zones.
The committee members raised concerns about the alleged misbehavior of PIA officials toward parliamentarians at the airports.
Additionally, the committee received concerning reports from citizens about the safety of PIA planes.
CAA has also requested the committee to revive pending legislation that was previously laid before the parliament aimed to separate the regulatory role of the CAA from the operational role of the airports.
