Fake degree holders deserve no compassion: CJP

16 pilots, 65 cabin staff suspended, SC told; top court disposes of PIA fake degrees case


Our Correspondent January 09, 2019
PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday disposed of a suo motu case pertaining to verification of degrees of pilots and other staff members of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

During the hearing, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar was informed that 16 pilots and 65 cabin crew members have been suspended for having fake academic degrees.

The counsel for the national flag carrier said six foreign degrees remained unverified, while all others have been authenticated.

While observing that fake degree holders do not deserve any show of compassion, Chief Justice Nisar directed the authorities concerned to handle the matter with care and to avoid dismissals carried out in haste or under pressure.

Three pilots among 50 PIA staffers sacked over fake degrees

He emphasised that PIA should only take action after conducting thorough inquiries.

The Civil Aviation Authority informed the court that the incumbent government was responsible for the layoffs, as the CAA does not have the authority to take action against airline employees.

During the hearing, a dismissed pilot told the court that he was hired on an FSc degree, but his services have been terminated over an allegedly fake BSc degree.

PIA's counsel, however, maintained that the pilot's graduate degree was not authentic and that was the basis of his removal from service.

In view of more such possible discrepancies in the verification process, the Supreme Court has ruled that all dismissed individuals have the right to file appeals with a relevant forum.

COMMENTS (4)

Shakil Khan | 5 years ago | Reply @Ian Khan: yes indeed, but if you attach a fake degree to impress to get hired even if doesnt require for a minimum qualification, if count as gross misconduct! and all over the world is liable to be fired without any perks.
Mercurial | 5 years ago | Reply Zafar and Ian Khan - Agree that a degree might not be required for operating an aircraft or on an aircraft, but the suspension isn't about whether they are qualified or not. It's about faking their credentials and intentional deceiving. In any civilised country, this has far more serious consequences just mere suspension.
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