Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) employees at Jinnah International Airport Karachi staged a protest by wearing black armbands in opposition to the government’s decision to outsource operations and land assets at major airports in the country. The government’s move is aimed at running these airports through public-private partnerships to generate foreign exchange reserves.
The protests have been organized in response to the government’s decision to outsource operations at three significant airports, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The CAA employees expressed their concerns over the potential security and defense risks posed by entrusting airport operations to external entities.
During the protest at the Karachi airport, demonstrators carried banners and placards while chanting slogans against the outsourcing decision and demanding its withdrawal. They emphasized that the safety and sovereignty of the airports and the country must not be compromised.
A representative from the association of CAA employees stated that outsourcing airports is a dangerous move that could jeopardize national security. They emphasized that they cannot allow any compromise on the security and integrity of their airports and the country.
The protesters further warned that if the outsourcing process is not halted, they will consider all options, including shutting down operations as a means of expressing their opposition.
The employees demanded an immediate halt to the process of outsourcing, arguing that it not only negatively affects aviation employees’ welfare but also poses significant security risks. They called on the government to reconsider its decision and prioritize the safety and security of the nation’s airports.
