Jinnah International Airport gets state-of-the-art hold baggage scanning machine as part of a growing cooperation in aviation security between Pakistan and Britain’s civil aviation authorities. In a brief ceremony held at the Jinnah International, UK’s High Commissioner to Pakistan inaugurated the machine as she operated the machine and scanned a passenger’s bag. The development is expected to save time as UK and other Western countries require hold baggage to be scanned a second time after the boarding card is issued. DGCAA Khaqan Murtaza, Director Security and Vigilance Shahid Qadir, senior officials of Karachi’s JIAP Airport and ASF officials attended the ceremony. Talking to the media, the British High Commissioner (BHC) expressed optimism about the resumption of direct flights between Pakistan and the UK, stating that technical talks between the civil aviation authorities of both countries have been completed. She said the modern security machine will expedite the baggage scanning process for passengers traveling to the UK and other Western countries. DGCAA Khaqan Murtaza on this occasion hinted at positive outcomes from recently held talks with the European Commission in Brussels, indicating that good news regarding Pakistani airlines’ flights to the UK and Europe may be expected soon. He added that a visit from the EASA team is expected in November this year, with promising results expected. Air Commodore (R) Shahid Qadir, the PCAA Director of Security and Vigilance, highlighted that the 20% extra security procedures previously applied to flights bound for the UK, EU, and other Western countries will no longer be necessary, saving time for everyone involved.
By Saifullah
