International pilots association writes to PM Imran, expresses ‘deep concern’ over aviation minister’s remarks

ISLAMABAD: The President of the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Association (IFALPA) wrote a letter to PM Imran in which it criticised the statement made by Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan that as many as 40% of the Pakistani pilots flying planes had ‘fake’ or ‘dubious’ licences.

In its letter to the prime minister, the president expressed his ‘deep concern’ over Sarwar’s remarks, saying that the remarks were ‘reckless’ as they were hindering Pakistan’s ability to operate international air services.

“The international pilot community is deeply concerned about the unfounded statements made by the Pakistani Minister for Aviation declaring that many Pakistani commercial pilots hold licenses that, in his words, are ‘fake’,” reads the letter. “We find these statements on the brink of being reckless not just for the individuals named, but for Pakistan and its ability to continue operating international air services.”

The president offered his organisation’s help in the PIA plane crash investigation as well.

“We are not here to blame but to provide our expertise to find the truth,” wrote Captain Jack Netskar, president of IFALPA.

“Any of these problems, perceived or real, need to be immediately dealt with for the sake of aviation safety; an interest we all keenly share,” Netskar said.