Canadian team certifies aviation security protocols at Karachi airport — Pakistan civil aviation

Canadian team certifies aviation security protocols at Karachi airport — Pakistan civil aviation
Transport Canada inspectors, Barbara Durette and Abdel Tahir, inspect aviation security protocols at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, Pakistan on July 18, 2024. (Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority)
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Updated 19 July 2024
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Canadian team certifies aviation security protocols at Karachi airport — Pakistan civil aviation

Canadian team certifies aviation security protocols at Karachi airport — Pakistan civil aviation
  • This was the fifth international evaluation of Pakistan’s aviation security system in recent months
  • Pakistan’s aviation protocols have faced significant scrutiny since a 2020 fake pilot license scandal

KARACHI: A two-member Canadian team on Thursday certified aviation security protocols at Pakistan's largest airport in the southern port city of Karachi, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said.

The Canadian team comprising inspectors Barbara Durette and Abdel Tahir, from Transport Canada — a Canadian government entity responsible for policies and services of road, rail, marine and air transportation — began its aviation security assessment at Jinnah International Airport earlier this week under the supervision of Pakistan's Aviation Security Director Air Commodore (retired) Shahid Qadir.

The team evaluated various security measures, including passenger and baggage screening, perimeter protection, cargo and catering security, as well as security protocols for direct flights to Canada, according to the PCAA. It also monitored security measures for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flights to Toronto, assessing access control, aircraft protection, security searches and related procedures.

"The [Canadian] team expressed gratitude to PCAA for hosting them and commended the airport's security protocols for aligning with international standards and best practices," the PCAA said in a statement on Thursday.

This was the 5th international evaluation of Pakistan’s aviation security system in recent months. The PCAA earlier said it had successfully passed all previous inspections, including an inaugural assessment by the United Arab Emirates General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE-GCAA) of Islamabad and Karachi airports that concluded on July 5.

Pakistan’s aviation protocols have faced significant scrutiny since 2020 following a scandal wherein approximately 262 out of 860 active pilots were said to have obtained fake licenses, leading to the grounding of around 150 pilots from the PIA and other carriers.

This revelation came in the wake of the tragic crash of PIA flight 8303 in Karachi, resulting in the suspension of PIA’s operations in the European Union (EU) and other regions and prompting calls for regulatory reforms to improve safety standards and transparency.


Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation

Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation
Updated 10 min 7 sec ago
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Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation

Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation
  • All-women team successfully handled complete turnaround of SriLankan Airlines A320 at Jinnah International Airport 
  • Gerry’s dnata, a leading ground-handling services provider in Pakistan, also provides training and innovative services 

KARACHI: Gerry’s dnata, a leading ground-handling services provider in Pakistan, said on Friday it had launched the country’s first-ever Women-Led Flight (WLF) operation, where an all-women team successfully handled the complete turnaround of a SriLankan Airlines A320 at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The initiative, which was launched ahead of International Women’s Day, marks a “powerful step” toward breaking barriers, accelerating action for workplace inclusion and empowering women to take charge of roles that men traditionally dominated, Gerry’s dnata said.

“From aircraft towing and baggage handling to security checks and cabin readiness, the WLF project showcases the strength, skill, and resilience of Pakistan’s female workforce in aviation,” the company said in a statement.

“This is more than just a flight operation, it’s a defining shift in Pakistan’s workforce landscape,” said Ali Kamal, a VP at Gerry’s dnata. 

“The Women-Led Flight Project is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for a future where women are equally represented in every field.”

Gerry’s Group & dnata joined hands for the first time in Pakistan to form Gerry’s dnata in 1993. Since the launch of the joint venture, it has ramped up its scale of operations in Pakistan and is now present at airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad, offering a wide range of ground and cargo handling services to scheduled and non-scheduled airlines. The company is also involved in training and innovative services.


Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation

Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation
Updated 5 sec ago
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Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation

Gerry’s dnata launches Pakistan’s first all-women-led flight operation
  • All-women team successfully handled complete turnaround of SriLankan Airlines A320 at Jinnah International Airport
  • Gerry’s dnata, a leading ground-handling services provider in Pakistan, also provides training and innovative services

KARACHI: Gerry’s dnata, a leading ground-handling services provider in Pakistan, said on Friday it had launched the country’s first-ever Women-Led Flight (WLF) operation, where an all-women team successfully handled the complete turnaround of a SriLankan Airlines A320 at the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi.

The initiative, which was launched ahead of International Women’s Day, marks a “powerful step” toward breaking barriers, accelerating action for workplace inclusion and empowering women to take charge of roles that men traditionally dominated, Gerry’s dnata said.

“From aircraft towing and baggage handling to security checks and cabin readiness, the WLF project showcases the strength, skill, and resilience of Pakistan’s female workforce in aviation,” the company said in a statement.

“This is more than just a flight operation, it’s a defining shift in Pakistan’s workforce landscape,” said Ali Kamal, a VP at Gerry’s dnata. 

“The Women-Led Flight Project is a testament to what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. We are incredibly proud to be at the forefront of this movement, paving the way for a future where women are equally represented in every field.”

Gerry’s Group & dnata joined hands for the first time in Pakistan to form Gerry’s dnata in 1993. Since the launch of the joint venture, it has ramped up its scale of operations in Pakistan and is now present at airports in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad, offering a wide range of ground and cargo handling services to scheduled and non-scheduled airlines. The company is also involved in training and innovative services.
 


Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook participates in UAE defense exhibitions

Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook participates in UAE defense exhibitions
Updated 23 min 51 sec ago
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Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook participates in UAE defense exhibitions

Pakistan Navy ship Yarmook participates in UAE defense exhibitions
  • PNS Yarmook participates in IDEX and NAVDEX exhibition held in Abu Dhabi from Feb. 21-25
  • Over 200,000 visitors attend exhibition comprising over 1,500 participants from 65 countries

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy warship Yarmook participated in two defense exhibitions held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the navy said on Friday, highlighting the South Asian nation’s robust defense ties and active role in global maritime security.
The International Defense Exhibition (IDEX) and Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX), held on Feb. 21-25 in Abu Dhabi, are premier global platforms to showcase advanced defense technologies and latest innovations, and to foster international collaboration.
More than 200,000 visitors attended the joint exhibition that saw participation of over 1,500 exhibitors from 65 countries, according to the IDEX website. Naval vessels from eight nations, including Pakistan, participated in the exhibition.
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, the Pakistani ship was received by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, followed by the Yarmook commanding officer’s meetings with various dignitaries to discuss matters of mutual interest, according to Pakistan Navy’s Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR).
“During its stay, PNS YARMOOK remained open to visitors and welcomed numerous officials from the armed forces, business, and corporate sectors,” the DGPR said in a statement.
“Distinguished visitors included the UAE’s Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Romania’s Minister of National Defense, Yemen’s Defense Minister, the Chief of the Romanian Naval Forces, the Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Naval Forces, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces, the Commander of the Royal Bahrain Navy, and the CEO of DAMEN Shipyard.”
Pakistan’s participation in NAVDEX 2025 highlights its strong defense ties with the UAE and its active role in global maritime security initiatives.
“Upon departure, PNS YARMOOK also conducted a passage exercise with the UAE Navy Ship AL-EMARAT,” the DGPR added.
PNS Yarmook regularly participates in joint operations and exercises with friendly countries in addition to its own operations.
Last July, Pakistan deployed PNS Yarmook to protect commercial vessels arriving at its ports. In August 2024, the warship conducted bilateral exercises with allied navies in Bahrain as part of a Regional Maritime Security Patrol deployment, aimed at enhancing naval coordination and joint operational capabilities in the region.


Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11

Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11
Updated 54 min 55 sec ago
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Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11

Pakistan to host PSL 10th edition from April 11
  • The six-team tournament will see 34 matches from April 11 till May 18
  • Lahore will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will host the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) from April 11, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two times champions Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in the opening match.
The six-team tournament will see 34 matches between April 11 and May 18. Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two eliminators and the final, according to the PCB.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first qualifier on May 13. National Bank Stadium in Karachi and Multan Cricket Stadium will host five PSL matches each.
“We are thrilled to officially announce the schedule for the historic 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League,” PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer was quoted as saying by the PCB.
“As part of our commitment to expanding the reach of the HBL PSL, we are delighted to host an exhibition match in Peshawar before the start of the tournament, which is a significant step in bringing top-tier cricket to Peshawar, a city with a deep-rooted love for the game.”
The PSL, which officially began in February 2016, features city-based franchise teams and has become a major event in Pakistan’s cricket calendar, symbolizing the country’s love for the sport. The league brings together both local and international talent, and has grown substantially in value and popularity since its inception.
“We remain dedicated to enhancing the experience for players, fans, and stakeholders, who have witnessed some breathtaking contests in the league over the years,” Naseer said.
Karachi Kings, winners of the league’s 5th edition, will begin their campaign on April 12 in their own backyard against runners up of the last edition, Multan Sultans. Multan Sultans, winners of the 6th edition, will face Lahore Qalandars on April 22 – the first HBL PSL X match hosted by Multan Cricket Stadium.
The newly constructed Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore will welcome the PSL-X on April 24, with the home side taking on Peshawar Zalmi. Qalandars won the 7th and 8th editions.
Peshawar Zalmi, champions of the PSL 2017, will play their five matches at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while Quetta Gladiators, winners of the fourth edition, will play five matches at Qaddafi Stadium.


Pakistan reports two new polio cases amid deepening virus crisis

Pakistan reports two new polio cases amid deepening virus crisis
Updated 28 February 2025
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Pakistan reports two new polio cases amid deepening virus crisis

Pakistan reports two new polio cases amid deepening virus crisis
  • The South Asian country has witnessed an intense resurgence of the virus in recent months
  • Pakistan, Afghanistan are the last two countries in the world where polio remains an endemic

ISLAMABAD: Health authorities have confirmed two new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in Pakistan, the country’s polio program said on Thursday.
Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of 5 is essential to provide children high immunity against the disease.
The South Asian country has been witnessing an intense resurgence of the virus and reported a total of 74 cases last year, raising several questions about the gains made in recent years in the fight against the viral disease.
Health authorities have confirmed one new case of the virus in the Kambar district of the southern Sindh province and another in the Mandi Bahauddin district of the Punjab province, according to the country’s polio program.
“This is the third polio case from Sindh and the first from Punjab this year, bringing the total number of cases in the country to five,” the polio program said in a statement.
Pakistan and Afghanistan are the last two countries in the world where polio remains an endemic.
Immunization campaigns have succeeded in most countries and have come close in Pakistan, but persistent problems remain. In the early 1990s, Pakistan reported around 20,000 cases annually but in 2018 the number dropped to eight cases. Six cases were reported in 2023 and only one in 2021.
Pakistan’s polio program began in 1994 but efforts to eradicate the virus have since been undermined by vaccine misinformation and opposition from some religious hard-liners who say immunization is a foreign ploy to sterilize Muslim children or a cover for Western spies. Militant groups also frequently attack and kill members of polio vaccine teams.
Pakistan this month concluded its first nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2025, with 99 percent of the targets achieved, according to the polio program. The campaign, conducted on Feb. 3-9, vaccinated more than 45 million children.
“[An] fIPV-OPV (fractional dose inactivated poliovirus vaccine-oral polio vaccine) campaign is underway in Karachi and Quetta Division to vaccinate nearly 1 million children with the injectable and oral polio vaccines for an added immunity boost,” the polio program said.
“Moreover, a targeted vaccination activity in 104 union councils bordering Afghanistan or having Afghan refugee camps/populations is also in progress (February 24-28) to vaccinate over 0.66 million children, to reduce the risk of cross-border and internal poliovirus transmission.”
“The Polio Programme urges all parents to get their children vaccinated against polio at every opportunity to keep them protected from this devastating disease,” it added.
This week, the World Health Organization said Saudi Arabia had reaffirmed its $500 million pledge to eradicate polio from Pakistan and Afghanistan under the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI).
The GPEI hopes to declare an end to the wild virus and the vaccine-derived variant by 2027 and 2029, respectively, compared with a previous deadline of 2026 for both forms.