ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the extension of licenses for 86 foreign pilots who have been employed in the country for the past two years. The decision, made during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, came after recommendations from the Cabinet Division. The cabinet also agreed to grant a three-year license validation for foreign pilots hired in 2025, as stated in a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Officials informed the cabinet that the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent restrictions on Pakistani pilots had led local airlines to hire foreign pilots. The cabinet’s recommendations will be executed after the completion of necessary legal formalities.
PM Shehbaz also highlighted the importance of the newly opened Gwadar International Airport, stating that it would not only benefit Balochistan’s economy but also contribute to Pakistan’s overall economy. He emphasized that the airport, built with a $230 million Chinese grant, is a “gift” from China, which should be appreciated. He added that obstructing the completion of the Gwadar Port would be harmful to Pakistan’s interests, claiming it was an act of hostility from the nation’s adversaries.
Additionally, the prime minister established a committee led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif to review the Toshakhana Act 2024, aiming to enhance transparency. The cabinet also approved rules for the selection of the chairman and members of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority, based on Cabinet Division’s suggestions. An amendment to the 1973 Rules of Business was also approved, transferring the responsibility of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 from the Ministry of IT and Telecom to the Ministry of Interior.
The cabinet confirmed Dr. Ammar Habib Khan’s appointment as the finance member of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) Appellate Tribunal, following the Ministry of Law and Justice’s recommendations. Furthermore, PM Shehbaz Sharif called for a committee to expedite the restructuring of the Utility Stores Corporation and improve its monitoring systems.
The cabinet also endorsed the decisions made during Economic Coordination Committee meetings on January 6 and January 17.
