Pakistan Aerospace Council Charts Course for High-Tech Export-Oriented Future
Islamabad – The Pakistan Aerospace Council (PAeC) convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM), at Trojans Head Office in Islamabad. The gathering brought together prominent figures from Pakistan’s burgeoning aerospace and high-tech sectors, fostering a dynamic environment for discussions, collaborations, and strategic planning to propel the industry forward.
Focus on High-Tech Export & Private Sector Empowerment
Air Marshal (Rtd) Farhat Hussain Khan, CEO of ADIC, NASTP Kamra, and the event’s Chief Guest, underscored the critical need to empower the private sector and minimize reliance on government-led initiatives to ensure sustainable growth within Pakistan’s aerospace sector. He emphasized the importance of:
- Professionalizing the Civil Aviation Authority: Streamlining regulations and fostering a conducive environment for private sector participation.
- Indigenous Avionics Development: Prioritizing R&D in cutting-edge avionics technologies to enhance aircraft performance and competitiveness.
- Streamlining Bureaucratic Processes: Reducing administrative hurdles and fostering a more agile and responsive ecosystem for innovation.
Drawing inspiration from successful models like Turkey and China, Air Marshal Khan highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and leveraging global best practices to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s aerospace and high-tech industries.
Outgoing President Emphasizes Export-Oriented Strategy
In his farewell address, Dr. Haroon Javed Qureshi, outgoing President of PAeC, expressed gratitude for the support and trust of the executive members. He urged aerospace and defense companies to aggressively pursue export markets to overcome challenges and showcase Pakistan’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to the world. Dr. Qureshi extended his best wishes to the incoming executive committee and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting PAeC’s continued growth and success.
“Power of the Flock” – A Call for Unity and Shared Vision
Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Founder Convener of PAeC, emphasized the “Power of the Flock” – a collective approach that prioritizes unity, shared vision, and collaborative efforts as cornerstones for advancing Pakistan’s aerospace and high-tech sectors. He advocated for a dedicated platform for dialogue with policymakers to address industry-specific challenges and foster a supportive regulatory environment. Mr. Rastgar stressed the importance of transitioning to system-driven business models to achieve global recognition and sustainable growth.
Leveraging Human Capital and Public-Private Partnerships
Convener of PAeC, Mr. Mansoor Malik, expressed gratitude for Mr. Rastgar’s foundational role in establishing PAeC. He emphasized the critical importance of leveraging Pakistan’s pool of highly skilled aeronautical engineers and technicians to drive private sector growth. Mr. Malik outlined PAeC’s vision to utilize existing public sector infrastructure and skilled human resources to foster a thriving aerospace ecosystem. He urged the new leadership to ensure a smooth generational transition to ensure the continued progress and sustainability of the industry.
Key Industry Leaders and Stakeholders in Attendance
The AGM was attended by several prominent figures, including Dr. Mohammad Mujahid, Rector of PAF-IAST; Mr. Ilyas Malik of Fazal Steel; Air Cdr Waqar Haider; Mr. Noman Waseem; Ms. Sarah Qureshi; Mr. Iftekhar Yezdani; Mr. Asif Ahmed; and Mr. Umair Aslam of Global Defence Insight. The PAeC leadership team, including Dr. Haroon Javed Qureshi, President; Mr. Asif Jah, Secretary General; Engr. Tanveer Ahmed, Treasurer; Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Founder Convener; Engr. Mansoor Malik, Dr. Javaid Ahsan Bhatti, Mr. Inayat Ali Shah, Javaid Anwar, and representatives from Teresol and AKSA Solutions, were also present.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for 2025 and Beyond
The meeting provided a comprehensive review of PAeC’s significant achievements and milestones throughout the year. It also served as a platform for members to share innovative proposals and strategies for advancing the aerospace sector. The council outlined a strategic vision for 2025, focusing on:
- Accelerating Collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and government.
- Resolving Industry Challenges: Addressing critical issues such as access to finance, skilled workforce development, and regulatory hurdles.
- Driving Innovation: Promoting R&D in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles, and space exploration.
New Leadership and Advisory Board Appointed
The AGM concluded with the election of Mr. Shahid Rafiq as President, Mr. Inayat Ali Shah as Vice President, and Dr. Javiad Ahsan Bhatti as Secretary General of PAeC. The establishment of an Advisory Board further strengthens the organization’s leadership. These appointments and developments augur well for the future of Pakistan’s aerospace community as the sector continues its dynamic growth and ascends to new heights.