SC dismisses petitions challenging PIA CEO appointment

Petitioner maintained appointed PIA CEO had no relevant experience

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Tuesday dismissed petitions challenging the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Munib Akhtar heard the case.

During the course of proceedings, the petitioner maintained that the appointed PIA CEO had no relevant experience.

Justice Bandial noted that Malik had been appointed in the short-term. He asked the PIA CEO to design short-term and long-term projects and observed that the national flag carrier structure should be upgraded.

The court directed the PIA management to submit a progress report in one month.

Taking up the drying of Katas Raj Temple pond case, the apex court directed the local government and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to submit a report on the implementation of court orders by the cement factories.

The court also directed Dera Ghazi Khan Cement (DGKC) to submit a report on the actual cost of air cooling plant.

Hindu Council Chairman Dr Ramesh Kumar said the Bestway Group had installed a cooling plant, while Dera Ghazi Khan Cement was yet to do it.

Dera Ghazi Khan Cement counsel Salman Butt informed the court that the installation work was underway.

Chakwal additional assistant commissioner told the court that instead of installing a cooling system, DGKC had maintained rainwater ponds.

Justice Bandial inquired if the factory could run on rainwater. He said DGKC had assured the court of implementing its orders but it did not do so. He asked DGKC to renew its bank guarantee as Rs100 million fine was imposed on it.

The counsel for DGKC informed the court that it was not using a single drop of underground water.

Dr Kumar said the commission sent by the apex court had reported the theft of underground water and DGKC was fined on it.

The court asked the Punjab government to report on the cost of water used by the three factories and adjourned the hearing of the case for an indefinite period.