RAWALPINDI: Following complaints regarding allegations against traffic police issuing “illegal” tickets to visitors in the parking lot of the Islamabad International Airport, the airport manager has been directed to investigate the issue and promptly report to the Civil Aviation Authority.

The issue was raised by the complainants during the 45th e-Kutchery held on Monday, which was chaired by Air Vice Marshal Taimur Iqbal, the CAA additional director general.

A spokesman in a press release said the forum received a total of nearly twenty complaints and suggestions. The suggestions focused on improving cleanliness at the Islamabad International Airport, strengthening customer relations for airlines, and implementing a pilot cadets programme.

In response to a question about the pilot cadets’ programme, it was stated that while the National Aviation Policy was being followed, it was ultimately up to the airlines to decide.

CAA says to address issue of ‘insufficient’ immigration counters at airport

The complaints ranged from missing tissues in the bathroom to a contractor complaining about delayed payment, and from missing luggage to traffic congestion near the Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

There were also allegations of police issuing illegal traffic challans/tickets to visitors in the parking lot of Islamabad International Airport.

The complainants were requested and reminded to provide more details as general complaints offer limited assistance in addressing the issues.

Regarding the traffic congestion near JIAP, it was mentioned that there were plans to widen roads and explore a mass transit system plan to facilitate visitors and passengers.

In response to a question about pending payments related to the construction of the Rama dam near the airport, it was explained that such payments are made to the government’s revenue department and not to individuals, and affected parties should approach the revenue department for further assistance.

The additional DG acknowledged a complaint regarding insufficient immigration counters manned by the FIA, assuring the participant that the issue would be addressed.

Another passenger travelling from Karachi to Medina was requested to provide the date and flight number to assist in locating their missing bag.

In response to a query from a travel consultant in Greece regarding the alleged Rs5,000 airport tax without receipts, the CAA official stressed the need for specific complaints with relevant details for investigation, “as vague complaints lack sufficient evidence”.

Addressing a complaint from a contractor about delayed payments, the director of human resources assured that the payments were in process.

Upon receiving a suggestion to establish an examination centre in Skardu to facilitate the aspirants who had to travel long distances to urban centres, the additional DG instructed the authorities to take stock of the feasibility of such a centre.

A participant expressed gratitude to the Civil Aviation Authority and the FIA for their efforts in securing his release from an overseas prison after 18 months.

The person was carrying prohibited medicine/drugs given to him by an airport functionary.

Lastly, the Additional DG CAA extended thanks to all participants for their valuable input, saying that their suggestions would contribute to improving the services.

Published in Dawn, May 21st, 2024