Sir: Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar has asked all private airlines in Pakistan to undergo technical inspection afresh to determine the safety of their aircraft. This is a reactive approach. This statement shows that prior to the Bhoja crash, the private airlines were not given to inspection at regular intervals. Had that been the case the defence minister would not have issued such a statement. Every single part of an aircraft is recorded for depreciation. This record is maintained to keep the plane in best health. Besides, an aircraft is routinely checked for wear and tear so that any overused part could be replaced in time. The country’s relevant authorities, using international standards as guidelines, establish the standards against which these inspections are carried out. In addition, this whole process is governed by Aircraft Safety Acts that allow the government to regulate and apply strict control over the procedures followed by airlines on the ground and in the air. In Pakistan, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is the sole governing body that has the authority to regulate the airline industry. I believe instead of grounding aircraft, the government should first take a fresh look at the efficiency and working of CAA. Their inspection records, safety programmes, airworthiness standards, crew licence awarding procedures and other regulatory aspects need to be critically examined by some foreign consultants. I am sure that the CAA of Pakistan is not updated and not doing its job as per international standards and that it would be having communication gaps with private airlines. It is time that the CAA becomes efficient. At the first stage, it should improve its image by revamping PIA and on the next level, be strict with private airlines to ensure safety of passengers. NASIR RIAZ Doha, Oman