UK team lauds security measures at Islamabad airport

ISLAMABAD: A four-member security assessment team from the UK Department for Transport (UK-DfT) has completed its evaluation of the Islamabad International Airport.

The security assessment has commended the airport for its stringent security measures to ensure safe flight operations, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) spokesman said on Thursday. However, the team provided a few recommendations to the PCAA during the debriefing. The final report will be submitted to the PCAA within three weeks. Additional security measures for direct flights to the UK and other measures at the airport were examined. Air Cdre (R) Shahid Qadir, Director Avsec of the PCAA, hosted the assessment team. The team expressed satisfaction with aviation security measures implemented at the airport.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate overall security measures in place at the airport, particularly for direct flights to the UK. The inspectors thoroughly reviewed aviation security procedures and processes implemented by various entities at the airport, including passenger, staff, baggage and vehicle screening as well as aircraft and baggage protection measures. All entities responsible for implementing aviation security measures were scrutinized and found adhering to the standards set by the UK-DfT. Mr Gaffar, first secretary Aviation (UK DfT) at the British High Commission, expressed appreciation for the warm reception extended to the team by the airport manager and the Directorate of Avsec, PCAA. He affirmed that such engagements between the two countries would enhance aviation ties between them.

On behalf of Secretary Aviation Capt (R) Saif Anjum, the UK team was presented souvenirs as a gesture of gratitude at the end of the visit. The team will depart for the UK on Friday (today).