Need to fix responsibility

Later, it emerged that less than 10% of a total of 860 pilots in country had problems with their credentials

Yes, those responsible definitely need to be identified and held accountable. Well the context here is the fake pilot scandal that emerged in the aftermath of the PIA plane crash in Karachi in May 2020. Soon after the crash, then Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan had made a statement on the floor of the National Assembly that about one-third of Pakistani pilots held fake licences – basically blaming the PK-8303 crash on the pilot. However, the investigation conducted later showed that the number of pilots holding a fake or dubious licence was actually much lower. It emerged that less than 10% of a total of 860 pilots in the country had problems with their credentials.

By the time though, the damage had been done – to the national flag career, the Pakistani pilots as well as the local aviation industry. PIA flights to Europe were banned and remain so till date; several PIA flights were grounded due to suspension of pilots’ licences; and several Pakistani trainers working overseas were fired and several others suspended pending probe into their qualifications.

And now, members of a Senate committee have demanded action against the director general of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for what they say misleading Sarwar, the former aviation minister, into issuing a statement that damaged careers of pilots as well as PIA’s reputation. Well, there is definitely the need to fix responsibility on the erring official(s) based on a thorough inquiry into the issue. But the then aviation minister too cannot be absolved of the blame for being “misled by the DG CAA”. Should a responsible public representative have jumped the gun on an issue where the national prestige was at stake, without an inquiry having been conducted first? Remember, some actions are irreversible. So, measure twice, cut once.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2024.

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