SHC bars PIA CEO from performing duties

Restricts PIA from selling assets worth over Rs10m

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) restricted on Tuesday the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Air Marshal Arshad Malik from performing the functions of his post. The court was hearing the plea filed by PIA Senior Staff Association (SASA) General Secretary Safdar Anjum against Air Marshal Malik's appointment as CEO.

The petitioner maintained that Air Marshal Malik does not have the academic qualifications required for the post. He does not have any experience with regards to airlines either, according to the petitioner.

The court restricted Air Marshal Malik from performing the duties of the CEO and also barred PIA from making new appointments and dismissing or transferring employees. Besides, the court restricted PIA from selling assets worth over Rs10 million and from policy making with regards to sales and purchases.

Seeking regularisation

Meanwhile, a two-member bench comprising Justice Shafi Siddiqui and Justice Kausar Sultana issued notices to the relevant authorities while hearing a plea filed by contract employees of the Sindh population welfare department seeking regularisation.

The petitioners' counsel maintained that the department hired his clients in 2010 and in 2013 on contract. Several years of service have passed but some of them have still not been regularised, he argued.

The court issued notices to the provincial population welfare department and sought a reply by January 16.

Notices issued

Separately, the bench issued notices to the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and others while hearing another plea, filed by 127 employees of the SSGC.

The petitioners' counsel, Barrister Faizan Memon, maintained that the court had ordered for the employees to be regularised by September 30 but they have not been regularised as yet. He said that 127 employees joined SSGC on contract basis in 1995.

The bench remarked that SSGC should state in its reply why the employees are not being regularised. The court issued notices and sought replies by January 20.

Plea dismissed

Meanwhile, the registrar of the SHC directed the provincial government to continue locust control efforts. The Sindh agriculture department submitted its report before the court over a plea seeking action for locust control and compensation for farmers.

According to the report, Nawabshah, Larkana, Ghotki, Sanghar, Badin, Thar and Khairpur districts were affected by locust attacks. The report stated that surveys were being carried out and insecticide was being sprayed in the areas to control locusts. It mentioned that the government had issued funds of over Rs300 million and 57 government teams were working in this regard.

The court expressed satisfaction over the report and dismissed the plea filed by Advocate Mureed Ali Shah.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2020.