Petition filed against privatisation of airports

'The country’s defence might be compromised if civil aviation’s management was under the control of foreign companies'

ISLAMABAD: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the federal government seeking reply on a writ petition filed against privatisation of the Islamabad and Karachi airports.

Advocate Amir Saeed Rawn, counsel for civil aviation employees, argued before the court that according to the Civil Aviation Act, air transport and aviation services could not be handed over to a foreign company, adding that it was tantamount to going against national security.



He argued that Pakistan’s enemies might easily access national installations as the runways and radar system is under the use of Pakistan Air Force.

He said the country’s defence might be compromised if civil aviation’s management was put under the control of foreign companies.

Rawn prayed the court to direct the government to restrain from privatising Pakistan’s airports.

However, the judge sought reply from the federal government and others by September 13.