Separation of functions of CAA: Cabinet tells Aviation Division to expedite promulgation of Ord

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has directed the Aviation Division to expedite promulgation of Ordinance as stopgap arrangement meant to separate functions of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), official sources told Business Recorder.

The Aviation Division apprised the Cabinet that the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority was established vide Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority Ordinance of 1982. Clause 9 of the Ordinance states that "The Federal Government shall appoint the Director General who shall be the executive head of the Authority and shall exercise such powers and perform functions as may be specified under sub section (7) of section 5 or delegated to him by the Board from time to time."

Since 1982, the position of Director General Civil Aviation Authority was mainly held by retired PAF officers. However, in view of Supreme Court decision in Asaf Fasihuddin Khan Vardag versus Government of Pakistan in September 2013, it became imperative "that the post of Director Genera CAA must be made public and to be advertised in press."

Accordingly, advertisement for the position of Director General was published in newspapers in September 2015 and the DG CAA was appointed for the first time in this manner. However, the contract was terminated in March 2018 and the post became vacant. Since 2018, Aviation Division had made various attempts to fill the position of Director General Civil Aviation Authority.

During the recent attempt, the post of DG CAA was advertised in National dailies on 4th and 5th July, 2020. In response, 599 candidates applied for the said post. A screening committee scrutinized the applications received and submitted the list of 18 eligible candidates to the Selection Committee; which was constituted in accordance with Establishment Division's O.M. regarding selection process of Chief Executive/Administrative Heads of autonomous bodies.

The meeting of selection committee was held on October 14, 2020 and a total of 13 candidates were interviewed - 15 in person and 3,000 video link. After a lengthy interview process, the selection committee unanimously agreed that no candidate was found suitable for the post of DGCAA. It was further agreed as a way forward that the post of DGCAA should be re-advertised with revised criteria. The Selection Committee faced issues regarding clarity of education and experience in the CVs submitted by the candidates. Another major issue was that owing to age limit of 57 years, several candidates were found ineligible in terms of total experience as well as experience at decision making level. It was expected that with revised criteria, a larger pool of suitable candidates would be available.

In view of the foregoing, Aviation Division solicited the approval of the Cabinet to the following two proposals: The vacant position of Director General, Civil Aviation Authority may be allowed to be re-advertised with revised criteria, through appropriate national and international print media. The Additional Charge assigned to Secretary Aviation Division expired on October 30, 2020 which should be extended till December 31, 2020, or till the appointment of Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, whichever is earlier.

Or Establishment Division may be requested for a panel of suitable BPS-21 officers for assigning additional charge of the post of Director General Civil Aviation Authority till 31st December, 2020, or till the appointment of Director General, Civil Aviation Authority, whichever is earlier.

During the ensuing discussion, the members observed that the CAA was bifurcated into two entities, ie, one to reform the regulatory function and two commercial operations of the Airports which require separate DGs for the two distinct entities as these require different types of skill sets. Explaining constraints, Aviation Division informed that the law for separation of functions of CAA is with Law & Justice Division for vetting and it would take some time before its approval by the Parliament. It was suggested that to expedite matters and put in place a permanent management structure, the law should be promulgated as an Ordinance and thereafter the two separate positions of DGs should be advertised. The matter of pay structure of two positions should be placed before the SPSS Committee.

After detailed discussion, the Cabinet directed the Aviation Division to: (i) expedite process for promulgation of the law relating to separation of functions of CAA; (ii) upon promulgation of the law, the positions of Director Generals (DGs) for two new entities be advertised. The process of appointment of the DGs be completed within two months.

The Cabinet further approved the extension in Additional Charge of post of DG CAA held by Secretary Aviation Division for further 90 days or till appointment of regular incumbent whichever is earlier.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020