Employees of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) have taken to the streets in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, expressing their strong opposition to the government’s decision to privatize airport management. This controversial move has sparked widespread concern among members of the Allama Iqbal International Airport Union and Officers Association, who are apprehensive about its potential impact on national security and defense.
Aviation Workers Raise Security Concerns Amidst Privatization
Protesting aviation workers are wearing black armbands and raising their voices against the privatization of critical airport operations. Their primary apprehensions revolve around the perceived risks associated with handing over airport management to external entities, fearing it may compromise the nation’s security and defense infrastructure.
Demands for Immediate Halt to Privatization Echo in Protests
A spokesperson for the association, speaking during the demonstration, stated that the privatization of airports poses an alarming threat to the nation’s security. The protesters emphasize that compromising the safety and sovereignty of airports is not an acceptable option. They demand an immediate cessation of the privatization process, citing potential security risks that could significantly affect the welfare of aviation workers.
Warning of Escalation in Protests, Major Airports on Alert
The protesters have issued a warning that, if their demands remain unaddressed, they will escalate their demonstrations to include other major airports in Islamabad, Karachi, and beyond.