RAWALPINDI: A delegation from the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) visited the headquarters of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

First Secretary Aviation of DfT Mohammad Gaffar, who was leading the delegation, acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts, noting a recent audit in which Pakistan achieved the highest score in the region.

The visit aimed to reinforce mutual cooperation on aviation security and regulatory practices between the two countries, said the CAA in a statement.

The UK team met CAA Director General Nadar Shafi Dar and reviewed Pakistan’s progress in implementing aviation security measures.

The Directorate of Aviation Security, under the leadership of Director retired Air Commodore Shahid Qadir, briefed the delegation on current security protocols.

The team was presented with the CAA’s regulatory documentation along with operational records of entities such as Airport Security Force, Pakistan Airport Authority, airlines and regulated agents involved in catering and cargo.

The two-day visit is expected to strengthen coordination between the regulatory bodies of Pakistan and the UK, focusing on the alignment of security documentation and procedures with international standards.

The director general CAA expressed gratitude for UK’s longstanding support in aviation security.

He highlighted the UK’s contributions, including specialised training programmes and provision of advanced screening technology at no cost to Pakistan’s airports. He said these efforts had significantly bolstered the country’s aviation security infrastructure, and expressed optimism about expanding this collaboration in the future.

The first secretary aviation of DfT acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts, noting the success of the recent audit where Pakistan achieved the highest score in the region. He reaffirmed the DfT’s commitment to supporting CAA’s mission, aiming to deepen the partnership between both countries’ aviation sectors.

The visit underscores the growing relationship between Pakistan and the UK in aviation security with both countries dedicated to enhancing regional and international air travel security, said the statement.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2024