ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has directed Shaheen Airlines to pay monetary compensation to its passengers who remained stranded in China.
CJP remarked “Passengers have endured mental torture. Shaheen Airlines will have to pay monetary compensation to them. Tell us how much monetary compensation will be paid to the passengers.
He gave these remarks while presiding over a 3-member bench of Supreme Court (SC) during the course of hearing of suo motu notice pertaining to return of Pakistani passengers who remained stranded in China in the face of cancellation of Shaheen airlines flight due to payment dispute between airlines and Civil Aviation Authority.
Chief Officer (CO) of Shaheen Airlines appeared before the court.
CJP while addressing him remarked “ you speak English well.
Shaheen Airlines CO said “ I can understand Urdu but I can not speak Urdu. Unfortunately people had to suffer hardships.
CJP inquired what monetary compensation will you pay to passengers. You will not go abroad till the payment of monetary compensation to the passengers. Name of Shaheen Airlines will be placed on ECL.
Additional Attorney General (AAG) told the court Shaheen airlines is defaulter on payment of billion of rupees. Shaheen airlines has not paid a single pie.
Justice Ejaz ul Ahsan remarked “ Warning was given to Shaheen Airlines in connection with suspension of flight operation. Airlines had to face China issue due to its attitude.
CJP remarked “ passengers had to suffer immense mental torture. Shaheen airlines will have to pay monetary compensation to them. Tell us how much compensation will be paid to the passengers.
CO Airlines assured that “ we can pay five million rupees.
CJP remarked “ sitting at airport for three days is extraordinary mental agony. Rs 1 lac each should be paid to the passengers.
Shaheen airlines CO said “ I can tell in this regard after asking from finance department. The real issue is civil aviation authority.
CJP remarked “ inform us till August how much amount will be paid.
Counsel for airlines said airlines incurred the expenses of the passengers.
CJP remarked “ the passengers borrowed the money and some expenses were borne by the embassy. Inform us in writing about the disputes with civil aviation.
CO Shaheen airline said “ you are requested to do something about aviation industry.
CJP observed “ we are seeing the matters of aviation.
The hearing of the case was adjourned till August, 20.