On June 11, 2012, the CAA served a legal notice to Wazir for starting construction 200 feet away from the airport runway. PHOTO: FILE
The meeting was chaired by Home and Tribal Affairs Secretary Muhammad Azam Khan. Air Commodore Muhammad Zia from the Ministry of Defence and senior legal adviser of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Obaidur Rehman Abassi were also in attendance.
Official sources told The Express Tribune that a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) representative informed the secretary that Deputy Commissioner Chitral Ataullah Wazir was illegally constructing a house almost 200 feet away from the airport runway, despite the CAA’s warnings.
Sources within the CAA said Khan was also informed that the National Accountability Bureau has taken up the issue as well because Wazir had not obtained a No Objection Certificate before starting construction.
Khan assured the members of taking action against Wazir if the allegations were proved and formed a committee to look into the matter. He said Wazir’s house can be demolished if he is found guilty of illegal construction.
On June 11, 2012, the CAA served a legal notice to Wazir for starting construction 200 feet away from the airport runway. Law states that 750 feet on either sides of a runway should always remain clear.
On January 19, the aviation authority threatened to shut down all air operations at the Chitral Airport and sent a letter in this regard to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Ghulam Dastagir saying Wazir has been violating the National Airfield Clearance Police and Federal Land Building Possession Act LIV, 1965.
The five-member committee will comprise of Commissioner Malakand, secretary Azam Khan, Muhammad Zia, Obaidur Rehman Abbasi and a member from the construction and work department.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 5th, 2013.
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