Govt presents preliminary report on PIA crash in NA

Minister says some families did not accept compensation amount

ISLAMABAD:  

Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan on Wednesday presented before the National Assembly the preliminary report on the May 22 passenger plane crash as he reiterated resolve to conclude a free and fair probe into the incident within a month and present a comprehensive report on June 22.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft, flying from Lahore to Karachi, crashed near Karachi airport in the densely populated area of Model Colony days before Eidul Fitr. There were 99 passengers including eight crew members on board at the time of the incident.

Presenting the preliminary report in the lower house of parliament, the minister said the ill-fated plane crashed into a residential area at 2:39pm, killing 97 people onboard.

“Ninety-five (95) bodies have so far been identified and handed over to the victims’ families. The government has given Rs1 million each to 82 families. Some families have refused to receive the compensation,” he said.

The minister said the houses damaged in the crash are being surveyed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the PIA for compensation. On the ground, he said, one child died and two others sustained injuries who have also been compensated.

He appreciated the spirit of the people of Karachi who selflessly took part in the rescue operation and took out two survivors and the bodies from the debris.

“It is the responsibility of the incumbent government to find out why the people of Pakistan have to frequently bear such tragedies. A free and fair inquiry report will be presented to the National Assembly within one month of the crash – on June 22 –including the reports of crashes in the near past,” he said.

According to an official statement issued by the aviation division, Khan said he welcomed the seven questions put up by the opposition, adding that “he wants to add the eighth question which focuses on the mental and physical tests of the serving pilots.”

“The Supreme Court ordered that the degrees of the pilots of the PIA and the technical ground handlers should be verified. It was found that there were approximately 550 employees of the PIA with fake degrees,” he said.

The aviation minister praised the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and said it is one of the most credible and competent institutions in Pakistan.

He said the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Association (IFALPA) will provide one pilot and one technical expert to be made part of the investigation team to make the inquiry process more transparent and credible.

Earlier, PML-N leader Khurram Dastgir Khan held the PIA and the PTI government responsible for the crash. Dasgir said Prime Minister Imran Khan used to say that ministers in developed countries resign even after minor failure. “Who resigned over the plane crash?” he asked.

 56,000 stranded Pakistanis brought back

Sharing details of the Pakistanis stranded abroad after suspension of flights due to coronavirus pandemic, the aviation minister said Pakistan has repatriated approximately 56,000 stranded Pakistanis through 385 flights, adding that 479 dead bodies were also brought back to country.

Khan said he has proposed to start international flights from June 15 and the provinces will be consulted on the subject. “Overseas Pakistanis have an important role to play in the national economy. We will provide them with the best facilities.”

 State-owned enterprises

The opposition parties criticized the government’s move to lay off all employees of the state-owned Pakistan Steel Mills (PMS), saying planning minister Asad Umar had promised to stand with the employees of the PSM. They questioned why Umar left the PSM employees alone during the pandemic.

Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed told the house that revenue of the Pakistan Post has increased during tenure of the current government.

According to him, the Pakistan Post witnessed 70 per cent increase in revenue in the first year of the PTI government and a 110 per cent increase in revenue in its second year.

“The previous governments had left all state-owned enterprises in shambles including the PSM, the PIA and the Pakistan Railways. We are reforming these entities and the benefits will reach masses,” he said. The house will meet again today (Thursday) at 11am.