There are concerns about some Pakistani airlines because they hired 60 foreign pilots against the rules.
Complaints include violating rules and not paying the right amount of taxes on salaries, which adds up to $300,000. This situation is seen as taking opportunities away from 760 unemployed Pakistani pilots.
The General Secretary of the Aircraft Owners and Operators Association, Muhammad Nawaz Asim, wrote to the chairman of FBR and the Director General of FIA about these issues. According to the letter, the association is worried about 60 foreign pilots working for different airlines without valid work visas for Pakistan. They are also getting paid in dollars without the right amount of tax being deducted. Foreign pilots usually come to Pakistan under ICAO rules, which allow visa-free entry, but this rule is not meant for employees, and it breaks international law.
Although the PCAA has given endorsements to foreign pilot licenses to work in Pakistani airlines, they still need work permits and have to pay taxes in Pakistan. The association is highlighting the importance of stopping tax evasion, which amounts to Rs8.37 crore ($300,000).
The CEO of Skywings Aviation, Imran Aslam Khan, mentioned that these foreign pilots are being paid and given benefits against the law. There are also concerns about money laundering. Imran Aslam mentioned that a new airline has 24 foreign pilots, the second one has 19, the largest private airline has 11, and the fourth has 6 foreign pilots. At the same time, 760 certified Pakistani pilots are unemployed and not being hired even after receiving training. The spokesperson of Civil Aviation mentioned that they are following the rules in issuing or renewing pilots’ licenses. Local airlines are allowed to hire foreign pilots, and their licenses are renewed following the rules.
The process involves getting clearance from the Ministry of Interior, and then foreign pilots can get their work visas. The Civil Aviation Authority says they are following all the rules and regulations. No responses have been received from four major private airlines when asked about these concerns.