Impact of terrorism on Pakistan's aviation industry: A case study of Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar (2001-2015)

Abstract

This thesis entitled, “Impact of Terrorism on Pakistan’s Aviation Industry: A Case Study of Bacha Khan International Airport Peshawar (2001-2015)” addresses, the different acts of terrorism that happened in the aviation history of the world, particularly in Pakistan and Bacha Khan International airport Peshawar. It details some of the important incidents of terrorism against the aviation industry and the impacts of those incidents on Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and BKIA Peshawar. It describes the history of terrorism, how and when it emerged in the aviation industry and enumerates are the factors that breed terrorism and how much it affected the aviation industry of Pakistan. It addresses the issue of why it is difficult to stop terrorism incidents on Pakistani airports and BKIA Peshawar in particular. The study has thoroughly described some of the important and recent security incidents in Pakistani Civil Aviation and at BKIA Peshawar. Incidents of terrorism at BKIA Peshawar have been discussed in detail and its impact on the Peshawar airport. It describes why and how passengers and visitors face difficulty while reaching the airport from the surrounding areas. It also highlights what are the facilities provided at the BKIA Peshawar, and whether it fulfills the needs of the passengers and visitors coming to this airport. It also discusses the various available solutions towards a smooth and easy access of the passengers to the airport. Such considerations have been taken in view while considering the primary and secondary data with analysis. Airports are the gateway of any country and any incidents at these gateways may harm the very aspects of aviation of a country in the comity of nations. Keeping in views the threats to aviation industry in the world an international body under the United Nations was formed for the development, management, safety and security of this industry known as International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The role of ICAO in the aviation industry is very important. The facts regarding what is the future of ICAO and what are the challenges it is facing in the age of globalization is also an essential aspect of this study. Following are some of the main questions addressed by this study: How was Pakistani aviation industry before 9/11? What were the threats to it at that time and what threats it is facing now days? Are Civil Aviation and other Law Enforcement Agencies in Pakistan playing its due role for the protection of aviation industry, keeping in view the current security situation in Pakistan in the post 9/11 scenario? What is the role of different Law Enforcement Agencies in the protections of airports in Pakistan? Are the basic structures of the concerned agencies in line with the international standards set for the purpose? What types of threats are faced by Pakistani airports and what are its remedies? What is the location of BKIA Peshawar and why it has been targeted more than any other airport in Pakistan? This dissertation addresses these questions by focusing on Pakistan aviation industry and Bacha Khan International airport in specific. The available literature often overlooked the multidimensional impacts of terrorism on Pakistan aviation industry. Specifically, this dissertation focuses on the impacts of terrorism on BKIA Peshawar, which type of attacks were faced by this airport and what were the effects of those attacks. This dissertation also focuses on the comparison of the stable Benazir Bhutto International airport, Islamabad and the BKIA Peshawar. The study emphasizes the role of the government, the people and a better planned security equipped with modern machinery. The facilitation of passengers and visitors are also kept in consideration along with the extension of this airport and the need for construction of another new international airport with advanced facilities and wide space for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.