13k civilians trained in wartime drills
As hostilities flared recently between Pakistan and India, authorities ramped up civil defence preparedness by training over 13,000 individuals, including 400 women, in emergency response and public safety protocols, the National Assembly was informed on Wednesday.
During the ongoing session chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Minister of State for National Health Dr Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath said that the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had initially announced civil defence training for 9,000 citizens, but exceeded its target due to growing demand amid the crisis.
"So far, 13,000 individuals have been trained, 12,000 men and 400 women," Dr Bharath told the House during the Question Hour.
He said that the civil defence force had played a key role in recent emergency operations, particularly in transporting the injured to hospitals during escalations along the border.
"We also have provincial-level data regarding training and preparedness," he added, noting that civil defence offices are operational across the country.
The disclosure came in response to a question from MNA Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam, who had inquired about recent civil defence initiatives amid the tense regional security environment.
Aviation losses
Meanwhile, in a pointed exchange, PPP MNA Sharmila Faruqui drew attention to the financial damage incurred due to an irresponsible 2020 statement by a federal minister regarding pilots' credentials, saying it resulted in losses amounting to Rs40 billion.
"How will those responsible be identified without an inquiry?" she asked.
Parliamentary Secretary for Aviation Zeb Jafar responded by saying that operations were now on the path to recovery.
"Two flights are currently operating for Paris. Since March, PIA has begun generating profit. Concerns raised by UK authorities have been addressed, and multiple international routes have been restored," she added.
She said PIA has been operating in a profit since March 2024.
Jaffar said PIA has now resumed flights to the European Union, including two destinations in Europe, such as Paris. She also mentioned that the government had engaged in dialogue with the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which paved the way for restarting flights to Paris. Talks with UK aviation authorities are also underway.
In addition, discussions are ongoing with Turkish Airlines, which is expected to benefit Pakistani travellers. The government is actively working to expand PIA's network to profitable routes, including the Middle East and North Africa.
Efforts to make the national airline more profitable are continuing, and their impact will become more visible in the coming months, she added.
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