PAKISTAN'S NATIONAL AVIATION POLICY (2015) FLIGHT PATH, CROSS WINDS & OFF-COURSE

Abstract

Pakistan is an emerging economy where the aviation policy, promulgated in April 2015, was designed to dramatically boost aviation activities, which in turn was expected to enhance the country’s economy. Ownership and market access liberalization, stringent adherence to international standards, subsidies, taxes and duty exemptions/reduction, emphasis on education, investor friendly environment, greater safety and security assurance, and above all, travel and business friendly culture was the strategic direction that Pakistan’s forward looking National Aviation Policy anticipated to achieve. Well after a year of promulgation, poor internal and external stakeholder buy-in of the policy continues to mar expectations of the industry’s stability, growth and prosperity. This paper critically looks at stakeholder apprehensions and suggests possible remedial measures that may be adopted for a course correction.