Airblue crash: Court rejects aviation regulator’s inquiry report

Terms report ‘incomplete’; calls for ‘thorough investigation’ of PIA.


Umer Farooq January 20, 2012

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday rejected the inquiry report conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) into the AirBlue crash, terming it ‘incomplete.’

The court also issued contempt notices to federal secretaries for law and defense for their failure to meet court orders in the case.

Report rejected

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice PHC Justice Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Saith Waqar rejected the inquiry report presented by CAA on the previous hearing, terming it ‘incomplete.’ The bench, while hearing the case filed by MNA Marvi Memon and the victims’ families, said the interrogation seemed unsatisfactory and unattended from many aspects.

The court also issued contempt of court notices to federal secretaries of law and defense for their failure to meet court’s orders on heirs’ compensation, and issued orders to constitute a board to “revisit the findings from the starting point up to the crash, within three months.”

The chief justice also ordered to depute two civil judges, one each in Islamabad and Karachi, and issued instructions to the government and the Air Blue administration to compensate the victims’ families within 90 days.

Junaid Hamid, husband of a crash victim Andaleeb Junaid, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings.

“I am satisfied with the current judicial system and I am expecting justice,” Hamid said. The case has been adjourned till February 21.

Investigating PIA

The chief justice called for an inquiry on the performance of the national flag carrier, the Pakistan International Airlines, saying “negative reports were being received on a daily basis.”

“A thorough investigation of the Pakistan International Airline regarding its crew, flying fleet, communication system, lights, landing, taking off and fitness certificates be conducted and if found unfit by the board, be grounded,” the chief justice ordered.

He added that experts should also check the capability of the flying captain, crew members and submit its report to the court within 90 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20th, 2012.

COMMENTS (7)

Hassan | 12 years ago | Reply

A good step from our judicial system.

WM Khan | 12 years ago | Reply

Junaid Hamid Sb, I am proud of the way you have chosen to honor not only your wife's memory but the memories of all those who perished in this murder. In an age of apathy and passive commentary you are a true campaigner for human rights The report, like Pakistan's incompetent CAA Board and staff has far too many gaping voids to even merit comment. May Allah grant you the best justice and make the skies safe (I do not write safer!) for every single airline passenger in Pakistan.

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