Islamabad:
When hostilities recently flared between Pakistan and India, authorities ramped up civil defense preparedness by educating over 13,000 individuals, including 400 women, in readiness and public security protocols, the National Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
During the ongoing session, President of Vice President Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Prime Minister of National Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath that National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had originally announced civil defense training for 9,000 citizens, but exceeded his goal due to growing demand in the midst of the crisis.
“So far, 13,000 individuals have been trained, 12,000 men and 400 women,” Dr. Bharath to the house during the questioning time.
He said Civil Defense Force had played a key role in recent emergency operations, especially in transporting the wounded to hospitals during escalations along the border.
“We also have data on provincial level regarding education and emergency preparedness,” he added, noting that civilian defense offices are operational throughout the country.
The disclosure came in response to a question from MNA Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam, who had asked for recent civilian defense initiatives in the middle of the tense regional security environment.
Aviation loss
Meanwhile, PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui drew in a tip exchange attention to the financial injuries held due to an irresponsible 2020 declaration of a federal minister regarding pilots’ credentials and said it resulted in losses of RS40 billion.
“How will those responsible will be identified without a study?” She asked.
Parliamentary Secretary of Aviation Zeb Jafar responded by saying that operations were now on their way to improvement.
“Two flights are currently working for Paris. Since March, Pia has begun to generate profits. Concerns raised by British authorities have been processed and several international routes have been restored,” she added.
She said Pia has been working in a profit since March 2024.
Jaffar said Pia has now resumed flights to the European Union, including two destinations in Europe, such as Paris. She also mentioned that the government had engaged in dialogue with the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which paved the way to restart flights to Paris. Lectures with the British aviation authorities are also underway.
In addition, discussions with Turkish airlines, which are expected to benefit Pakistani travelers. The government is actively working to expand PIA’s network to profitable routes, including the Middle East and North Africa.
The effort to make the national airline more profitable continues and their influence will become more visible in the coming months, she added.
