Khurram Mushtaq appointed acting CEO of PIA

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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Corporation Limited has appointed Khurram Mushtaq as the acting CEO.

The decision was made during a meeting of the PIA Board of Directors, Express News reported.

According to the decision, Khurram Mushtaq will take charge after the tenure of Air Vice Marshal Amir Hayat comes to an end.

Khurram Mushtaq is one of PIA's senior-most chiefs with extensive aviation experience. He has previously served as the head of PIA’s commercial, airport services, flight services, security, and vigilance departments.

A month ago PIA placed advertisement, seeking applications from the suitable candidates for the position of CEO with in 15 days. The candidates, between the age of 45-57 years, were required to have 20 years of experience of running a large corporation or at least 10 years of management experience in the aviation industry.

Previously the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) withdrew its earlier order halting the privatisation of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), clearing the way for the government to proceed with the process.

The Constitutional Bench, led by Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, issued the instructions today, effectively closing the case, Express News reported.

The court had previously stayed the privatisation of PIA, but today’s ruling removes the block and allows the process to continue.

During the hearing, the Additional Attorney General informed the bench that the government had received approval to hire new professionals for PIA, and while the privatisation process was delayed, the airline’s flight operations were no longer restricted.

Justice Khan noted that the government might receive better rates now for the privatisation of PIA, but emphasised that the process must be carried out transparently.

Justice Jamal Mandokhail further remarked that the government must ensure compliance with the court’s order by keeping the court involved in the process.