Govt decides to engage in talks with CAA officers, employees unions

Karachi: The federal government on Friday took a decision to engage in talks with the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) officers and employees unions, who are currently protesting against the planned outsourcing of airports.

Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique extended an invitation to the heads of the CAA unions to hold discussions concerning the matter.

On July 30, a round of talks will be held in Lahore between the protesting CAA unions' representatives and Aviation Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique. Ahead of the meeting, the CAA headquarters has informed the unions and instructed them to bring written recommendations and concerns to the session.

The upcoming talks will be attended by representatives including Samiullah, Azizullah Memon, Ayaz Butt, Ashraf Waheed, and others, who will represent the CAA employees' unions.

The employees and officers of CAA have launched a protest movement against the government's decision to outsource airports in phases, expressing their opposition by wearing black bands. Their concern is centered around the impact this move may have on national security and defense. Protests have been held at several airports across the country, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Sukkur, Gilgit, Rahim Yar Khan, and Skardu.

Amid the ongoing protests, the CAA unions have also announced their intention to approach the court to challenge the government's decision to outsource airports.

To further express their dissent, the civil aviation authority workers have scheduled a series of protests at different airports. On August 1, they will protest at Islamabad airport, followed by protests at Lahore airport on August 8 and Karachi airport on August 17, which will include organizing a rally.

As the matter continues to unfold, the government's willingness to engage in talks is seen as a step towards addressing the concerns raised by the CAA employees and working towards a resolution.