Islamabad:
As hostilities recently exploded between Pakistan and India, the authorities increased the preparation of civil defense by training more than 13,000 people, including 400 women, in emergency response and public security protocols, the National Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
During the ongoing session chaired by Vice President Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Minister of National Health, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) initially announced the civil defense training for 9,000 citizens, but exceeded its objective due to the growing demand for the crisis.
“Until now, 13,000 people have been trained, 12,000 men and 400 women,” said Dr. Bharath to the house during the time of the question.
He said that the Civil Defense Force had played a key role in recent emergency operations, particularly in the transport of injured to hospitals during climbing along the border.
“We also have provincial level data on training and preparation,” he added, noting that civil defense offices are operational throughout the country.
The dissemination occurred in response to a question by Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam, who had asked about recent civil defense initiatives amid the tense regional security environment.
Aviation losses
Meanwhile, in a pointed exchange, PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui called attention to the financial damage incurred due to an irresponsible statement of 2020 by a federal minister with respect to the credentials of the pilots, saying that it resulted in losses that amounted to RS40 billion.
“How will those responsible be identified without a consultation?” She asked.
The parliamentary secretary of Aviation Zeb Jafar responded by saying that the operations were now on the road to recovery.
“Two flights are currently operating for Paris. Since March, PIA has begun to generate profits. The concerns collected by the United Kingdom authorities have been addressed and multiple international routes have been restored,” he added.
She said Pia has been operating with profits since March 2024.
Jaffar said Pia has now resumed flights to the European Union, including two destinations in Europe, such as Paris. He also mentioned that the Government had dedicated himself to dialogue with the EU Aviation Security Agency (EASA), which raided the way to restart flights to Paris. Conversations with the United Kingdom aviation authorities are also underway.
In addition, the discussions are ongoing with the Turkish airlines, which is expected to benefit Pakistani travelers. The government is actively working to expand the PIA network to profitable routes, including Middle East and North Africa.
The efforts to make the national airline more profitable continue, and its impact will become more visible in the coming months, he added.
