PM announces Rs2.5m compensation for each PIA employee killed during protests

Two PIA employees were killed in a firing incident during the protests on February 2

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday announced the compensation of Rs2.5million for each of the two Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees killed during the protest against the privatisation of national flag carrier.

Two PIA employees were killed when unidentified people opened fire during the protest on February 2 outside Jinnah International Airport, Karachi. Several people were also injured during the clashed between protesting employees and law enforcement agencies.

An FIR was subsequently registered nominating several federal government officials including Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid on the complaint of PIA Joint Action Committee.



The premier also announced compensation of half a million rupees for each of the injured in the incident and jobs for the family members of the deceased.

Assuring the bereaved families that the government would pursue investigation to nab the real culprits behind the killings, the prime minister said the death of PIA employees were not a loss for the family and friends only but also the national carrier



Earlier on February 9, the joint action committee called off the eight-day strike, saying its members were resuming flight operations after being given assurances on the issue of privatisation.

In the aftermath of the protest, a chain of events saw PIA Chairman Nasser Jaffer resigning from his post, taking full responsibility for the brute use of force against the protesters in Karachi.