Islamabad: Supreme Court (SC) ordered on Tuesday for placing name of former Aviation head Shujaat Azeem on Exit Control List (ECL).
CJP remarked “we will not spare those responsible for causing loss to PIA. PIA has been ruined. Every body says he has not caused loss to the country. Have the angels descended from heaven and consumed billion of rupees.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by CJP Mian Saqib Nisar took up for hearing the suo motu case on the national airline’s reported privatisation and poor financial conditions.
At the inception of hearing economist Farrukh Salim gave briefing to the court on the financial conditions of PIA for the period from 2008 to 2017. He told that PIA sustained overall loss of Rs 360 billion from 2008 todate. Expenses in excess of income are the main causes of loss. 88 percent loss pertains to the previous 10 years. Political influence, package and association policy are the major cause for loss. The appointments were made in PIA on political considerations during the last 10 years.
CJP remarked “ PIA people are keeping on devouring tax money. Planes were acquired on lease from 2013 to 2016. These aero-planes were grounded after they were obtained on lease.
Farrukh Salim told the court that PIA had to suffer loss of Rs 6.67 billion in the wake of grounding the aero-planes which were obtained on lease. As many as 287000 tickets of PIA were distributed free of cost in 2013 which caused loss of Rs 5 billion. PIA incurred medical expenses amounting to Rs 3 billion in 2016.
CJP remarked “we will not spare those responsible for causing loss to PIA. NAB Prosecutor is here. You also see this matter. Will former MDs of PIA give reply to question collectively or separately. Should I refer this matter to NAB.
After the briefing former aviation head Shujaat Azeem and present aviation adviser Mehtab Abbasi appeared before the court.
CJP while reprimanding Shujaat Azeem remarked “ you can not go abroad. This all loss was caused during your tenure. Court will constitute committee to hold inquiry. Shujat Azeem will have to tell how he was appointed as chief of aviation. Contract of catering were awarded to whom. We know it who set up housing society.
The court summoned reply from the former MDs of PIA on 10 years review report of Dr Farrukh Salim besides ordering for placing the name of Shujaat Azeem on ECL.
The CJP remarked “ inquiry be conducted against Shujaat Azeem and reference be filed against him.
CJP remarked “ Sardar Mehtab’ you are honest person. You should have conducted probe into this matter. Government was to pay Rs 20 billion to PIA. Some one took away our aeroplane to Germany.
Mehtab Abbasi said sale deal of aero-plane has been cancelled. New deal has been struck for the sale of aero-plane in Germany.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked “ had aero-plane gone to Germany for their placement in museum.
CJP remarked “ we have video. Money is being given to a person. May be I will appoint you chairman of inquiry committee.
Mehtab Abbasi said “ I am a weak person. I cannot do this job. The hearing of the case was adjourned for two weeks.
