Senate panel seeks action on high Quetta air fares

• Wants mandatory flights to underserved regions, probe into repeated cancellations

• Seeks report on Karachi airport deficiencies and upgrade plan

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Stan­ding Committee on Defence on Tu­­e­­sday expressed concern over inflated airfares on the Quetta route, frequent flight cancellations to remote areas, and the poor condition of passenger facilities at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport.

It directed the Ministry of Defence to ensure regular air connectivity to underserved regions.

The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, along with officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Pakistan Airports Authority, airlines and other relevant departments, briefed the committee. Officials of the Pakistan Meteorological Department also briefed the panel on Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (Glof) events, the upcoming monsoon season, flood preparedness and early warning systems.

Chairman Senator Talha Mahmood highlighted the challenges posed by climate change and global warming and directed the relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take timely preventive measures to safeguard lives and property.

While discussing unusually high airfares on the Quetta route, the committee sought details of the mechanism used to determine fares.

The defence minister said airfares were market-driven and that the Ministry of Defence was not the regulatory authority responsible for fare regulation. The committee, however, emphasised that remote and less-developed areas, including Quetta, Gilgit and Chitral, must remain connected through regular air services. The chairman directed that mandatory operations on socio-economic routes be ensured through airline licensing conditions.

The minister assured the committee of full cooperation, and the panel sought details of airlines that had been penalised for failing to operate flights to underserved regions. Members also noted frequent cancellations of flights to Gilgit, Chitral and Quetta, allegedly on the grounds of adverse weather, and called for an investigation into the matter.

The chairman urged airlines to expand their services and induct ATR aircraft to improve connectivity. He also appreciated Air Sial for operating flights on these routes.

The committee also reviewed the pilots’ licensing controversy, which had adversely affected Pakistan’s aviation reputation.

The defence minister said no contract had yet been awarded and assured the committee that the procurement process would remain transparent and subject to parliamentary oversight. The chairman directed the authorities to ensure strict compliance with PPRA rules.

The committee also reviewed the condition of Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, expressing concern over the lack of basic passenger facilities and deteriorating infrastructure. Officials informed the panel that an upgradation plan was under consideration.

The chairman sought a detailed report outlining existing deficiencies, proposed improvement plans and implementation timelines. Further discussion on the issue was deferred.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2026