Officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a US government agency that oversees airport and air carrier security, will visit Pakistan this week to conduct a formal assessment of security standards at the Islamabad International Airport, the US Embassy said.

The embassy, in a statement on Tuesday, however, made it clear that "there are no imminent plans for direct flights between Pakistan and the United States". It stated that the TSA officials would view Pakistan's aviation security infrastructure, and meet with their Pakistani civil aviation counterparts this week, adding that the TSA had been invited by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to conduct a formal assessment of security standards at the Islamabad International Airport.

During the visit to the Islamabad airport, TSA officials will meet with representatives from the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), PIA, and the Ministry of Aviation to identify international security standards.

"Secure international air travel is essential to facilitate trade and connections and fostering stronger bonds between the United States and Pakistan. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority as we explore additional areas of cooperation and the possibility of capacity development," said TSA Attaché Daniel McQuaid about his interactions in Pakistan.

The US embassy further said that the trip was organised as part of the US Mission to Pakistan's ongoing efforts to strengthen economic ties and air connectivity between the United States and Pakistan. The United States remains committed to partnering with Pakistan for a prosperous future, it added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020

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