Islamabad, June 30, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Defence on Tuesday directed the government to address high airfares on the Quetta route, improve connectivity to remote regions, strengthen climate disaster preparedness, and submit reports on several key aviation and defence-related issues.
The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Muhammad Talha Mahmood. The meeting was attended by Senators Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan and Atta-ul-Haq, while Senators Kamran Murtaza, Danesh Kumar and Syed Masroor Ahsan participated as movers of agenda items. Former Senator Muhammad Zahid attended as a special invitee. Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), airlines and other relevant departments briefed the committee.
The committee received a detailed briefing from the Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), the upcoming monsoon season, flood preparedness and early warning systems. Expressing concern over the growing impact of climate change and global warming, Chairman Talha Mahmood directed all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and ensure timely preventive measures to protect lives and property.
The committee also discussed alleged commercial activities in residential areas of Rawalpindi Cantonment in violation of court directives. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif assured members that the matter would be reviewed by the cantonment authorities and action would be taken in accordance with the law.
Taking up the issue of unusually high airfares on the Quetta route, the committee sought details of the airfare determination mechanism. The defence minister informed members that airline fares are market-driven and that the Ministry of Defence is not the regulatory authority responsible for fixing or capping ticket prices.
However, the committee stressed that remote and underserved regions, including Quetta, Gilgit and Chitral, must remain adequately connected through air services. It directed that mandatory flight operations on socio-economic routes should be ensured through appropriate licensing conditions and sought details of airlines penalized for failing to operate flights to underserved destinations.
Representatives of various airlines briefed the committee on the operational and commercial challenges associated with these routes. Members expressed concern over the frequent cancellation of flights to Gilgit, Chitral and Quetta, reportedly due to adverse weather conditions, and called for a thorough investigation. The chairman urged airlines to expand operations to these destinations and appreciated Air Sial for its services, while encouraging carriers to induct ATR aircraft to improve regional connectivity.
The committee also reviewed the pilots’ licensing controversy that affected Pakistan’s aviation sector. Officials informed members that most issues had been resolved, while the remaining licences are undergoing strict scrutiny.
The committee strongly criticized the controversial statements made by the former aviation minister, observing that they had severely damaged Pakistan’s international aviation reputation and caused significant financial losses. Chairman Talha Mahmood welcomed the recent privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and expressed optimism that the country’s aviation sector would continue to recover with the restoration and expansion of international routes, particularly to Europe. The committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report on the issue.
Members also examined allegations of violations of public procurement rules in the proposed Rs20 billion E-Gate Project. Khawaja Asif clarified that no contract had been awarded and assured the committee that complete transparency and parliamentary oversight would be maintained. The chairman directed that all procurement processes must strictly comply with legal requirements and transparency standards.
The committee further reviewed measures to enhance operations at Gwadar International Airport. Officials said efforts were underway to increase air traffic and improve the airport’s operational viability. They added that the reopening of Iranian airspace following the recent de-escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran could improve regional air traffic patterns and create opportunities for greater utilization of the airport. The committee directed authorities to accelerate efforts to attract more flights and fully operationalize the facility.
Reviewing the condition of Jinnah International Airport, the committee expressed concern over inadequate passenger facilities and deteriorating infrastructure. Officials informed members that an upgradation plan was under consideration and that privatization of the airport was being explored to attract investment and improve service standards.
The committee directed the Ministry of Defence to submit a detailed report outlining existing deficiencies, proposed development plans and implementation timelines, deferring further deliberations until the report is received.
