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Non-deployment of CAA DG is incompetence of government: IHC CJ

Non-deployment of CAA DG is incompetence of government: IHC CJ
November 3, 2020

ISLAMABAD (92 News) - While hearing a writ petition moved by a pilot challenging revocation of his licence, Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah remarked that non-deployment of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) director general is incompetence of federal government.

IHC summoned CAA secretary and attorney general in person in next hearing. The IHC also directed the government to fill the vacant position of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) director general at the earliest.

the chief justice remarked that non-deployment of DG Civil Aviation is incompetence of the federal government. "Even in the case of pilots, the government is not giving a satisfactory answer," he added.

During the hearing, the chief justice declared that this court couldn’t meddle in the issue of revocation of pilots’ licences. "The power to revoke and restore licences rests with the relevant authority and not the court," he observed.

At present, the country’s aviation regulator is non-functional, Justice Minallah noted, adding the licence issue would get resolved once a permanent director general of the authority is appointed.

Observing that it is up to the CAA DG to decide whether to revoke pilot licences, he called for the matter to be placed before the authority’s chief after appointment to the post is made. The government needs to fulfil its duty properly in a timely manner, he said. The IHC adjourns hearing till November 24.