Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has told the sub-committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reform that Mansehra Airport project is not commercially viable and the government has de-notified it.

The sub-committee met with Muhammad Sajjad in the chair here at the Parliament House. The sub-committee discussed the Mansehra Airport project and a report/implementation status.

According to conclusion of feasibility study report conducted by Civil Aviation Authority, "Foregoing in view, the Board of Officers concludes that the construction/establishment of airport at Mensehra is commercially not viable for Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) under the present circumstances; where there is security of basic infrastructure for the industrial development and in the absence of interest from private airlines."

The PCAA additional secretary told the committee that 28 airports out of 43 are dysfunctional and 15 are operational in the country. He said that PCAA had attached feasibility report with PC-I of the project at cost of Rs 4 billion, in which it is clearly mentioned that the project is not commercially viable. He said that private airlines did not show any interest for flights to Mensehra.

"Establishment of Mensehra Airport was the decision of the federal government under the direction of then prime minister in 2014," he said.

The additional secretary Planning, Development and Reform said that PC-1 of the project was discussed in Central Development Working Party (CDWP) and its feasibility study reveled that the project is not commercially viable. But Rs 4 billion funds have been allocated for this project, he said.

Deputy Commissioner Mensehra told the committee that funds were transferred for purchasing land. He said, "We have acquired land under the law. Afterward, we de-notified the land before awarding it under the directions of the federal government. Now we would return back the fund to the federal government and the process is continued in this regard."

The convener and members of the sub-committee expressed serious concern why the land was acquired before the feasibility report. The said that the people could not cultivate their agriculture land for four years.

The sub-committee recommended that the fund should be held till final decision of the committee. The sub-committee also recommended that steps should be taken for compensation of affected land owners who could not cultivate their agriculture land for four year.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019