Karachi's Air Traffic Control (ATC) has raised concerns over an increasing number of incidents where passenger planes are being targeted by laser lights, reported 24NEWSHD TV channel.
These lasers, mainly coming from areas like Model Colony, Korangi, and Shah Faisal Colony, are causing disruptions for planes during their landing approach.
Over the past week, there has been a surge in incidents of laser light strikes on aircraft. Pilots have reported instances of laser lights being shone on their planes near Pahlwan Goth and Sohrab Goth.
These incidents have caused difficulties for pilots during landing and take-off. Just recently, two flights from Karachi to Dubai and Jeddah were targeted by laser lights.
Both domestic and foreign airlines have expressed their concerns to the air traffic controller about these incidents. The ATC sources have warned citizens about the extreme danger that laser lights pose to aircraft during landing and take-off.
In response to these incidents, the Civil Aviation Administration has taken swift action. A meeting has been scheduled for September 28, involving the police, district administration, local bodies, and the food authority. The aim of the meeting is to discuss measures to tackle this issue.
One of the actions proposed is to clamp down on large searchlights installed at restaurants and shopping malls in the areas surrounding the airport.
The district administration, municipalities, police, and deputy commissioners have been urged to play their part in their respective areas to eliminate these hazards.
The use of lasers and large lights can pose serious hazards to aircraft. In just one week, the airport administration has reported more than six such incidents. The Civil Aviation Administration has called on citizens to play their role in ensuring the safety of air travel.