More than 150 foreign pilots are reportedly working for local airlines in Pakistan, raising concerns about job opportunities for Pakistani pilots.
The Pakistan Aircraft Owners and Operators Association demanded an investigation into the matter.
According to the association, around 1,500 Pakistani pilots are currently unemployed despite foreign pilots being hired by domestic airlines.
The association’s founder, Imran Aslam Khan, raised these concerns in a letter sent to the Defence Secretary.
According to the letter, several Pakistani airlines have recruited foreign pilots.
These include Airblue, Fly Jinnah and AirSial.
Imran Aslam Khan claimed that some foreign pilots receive tax-free salaries of up to $15,000 per month.
The association expressed concern that these payments involve large amounts of foreign currency leaving Pakistan, placing additional pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The letter also questioned why airlines were hiring foreign professionals instead of investing in the training of Pakistani pilots.
The association believes local pilots should receive more opportunities to develop their skills and gain the qualifications required by airlines.
Association questions changes to pilot hiring rules
The letter also raised concerns about changes to the rules governing foreign pilot appointments.
According to Imran Aslam Khan, the permitted employment period for foreign pilots has increased from six months to three years.
He claimed that aviation industry representatives were not consulted before the rules were changed.
The association also expressed concern about the possible misuse of regulations allowing airlines to recruit foreign pilots, and giving less employment opportunities to Pakistani aviation professionals.
Airlines generally need pilots who meet specific licensing, experience and aircraft qualification standards.
The association questioned why more resources were not being used to prepare local pilots for these positions.
Imran Aslam Khan urged the Defence Secretary to intervene and review foreign pilot recruitment practices.
He also called on domestic airlines to give qualified Pakistani pilots greater employment opportunities.
