Latest

South Air ready to launch regional flight operations, connecting regions of pakistan

CEO South Nishat Fatima & Spokesmen Air Vice Marshal Arshad Mehmood Malik addressing press briefing

Islamabad: A new regional airline, South Air has announced that it is fully prepared to begin operations aimed at connecting underserved regions of Pakistan including Balochistan, South Punjab and Interior Sindh with the national air network.

Addressing a press briefing, South Air’s CEO Nishat Fatima and spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Ejaz Mehmood Malik said the airline has completed all operational, technical and administrative preparations under the management of the Multan-based SOS Group.

They said two modern South Air aircraft have been stationed at Karachi Airport for several weeks, while two more aircraft from France are awaiting final clearance from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

According to the management, the airline has fulfilled all regulatory requirements and made investments worth crores of rupees. However, delays in approvals are causing continuous financial losses due to aircraft parking charges, lease payments, staff salaries and other operational expenses.

The officials said South Air plans to launch air connectivity for Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur, linking them with major cities across Pakistan. Daily flights for Sehwan Sharif and Dera Ismail Khan are also planned as part of the airline’s regional expansion strategy.

The briefing emphasized that new airlines contribute to increased competition, employment opportunities, tourism, trade and improved public facilities. The speakers noted that while developed countries use air connectivity as a key driver of regional development, Pakistan’s aviation sector continues to face bureaucratic hurdles, policy inconsistency and regulatory delays.

The South Air management questioned what message such delays send to investors when a fully prepared airline is unable to begin operations despite meeting all legal and technical requirements.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Balochistan in the context of economic development and CPEC, the officials said many areas in the province still lack adequate air connectivity. They stressed that regional aviation is not merely a transport facility but a catalyst for economic growth, national integration and the inclusion of deprived regions into the mainstream.

The airline also called on the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure a transparent, fast and investor-friendly regulatory environment for private airlines to strengthen Pakistan’s aviation sector and improve public access to air travel.

Latest

Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

Latest

CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

Latest

GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.