Govt Mishandling Led To Global Discrediting of Pakistan CAA – Abbasi
Govt Must Stop Lipservice, Must Act TO Restore Honour, Credibility Of Pakistani Pilots, CAA – Abbasi
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi while demanding action against 262 pilots under Civil Aviation Rules 1994, has said the government should stop its lipservice and act.
In a statement, Abbasi said the world is doubting the authencity and ability of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation because the PTI government levelled accusations even before investigating and acting. He warned that inaction, inability to reform and remediate could jeopardise the aviation industry, jobs associated with it a deal billions worth of tax and businesses.
Abbasi said a board of inquiry should be established to allow those accused a chance to explain themselves and plead their case. The government reversed the entire due process by first punishing the pumps by grounding them, issuing lists and then thought about investigating. He told the media that he has been contacted by some 50 Pakistani pilots working for international airlines who are extremely competent but are now fearing for their careers as this mishandling of the matter has tainted every Pakistani pilot indiscriminately.
Abbasi pointed out that out of the 141 pilots mentioned in the list, 26 don’t fly for PIA, 2 were martyred in the Havelian crash, 6 have already retired, data regarding 29 pilots is incorrect, 10 have challenged it in court, the status of 7 is completely unknown while there 18 who haven’t even gotten their licence at all as yet. He said it is being suspected that the remaining 43 were on duty the same day they appeared for their exams.
The former Prime Minister who is also a pilot, said the CAA should issue a show-cause notice to these pilots and give them an opportunity to explain themselves which is their right. The rules dictate that Acton must be taken against those found guilty within 30 days.
Abbasi stressed that he firmly believes that all those found guilty of cheating and using unfair means to past the test must be banished from the industry for ever. He mentioned that when a pilot is given an aircraft, he is entrusted with the lives of hundreds.
He said the CAA had the authority to cancel licenses of the guilty pilots, but no licence has been revoked thus far. Show cause notices were issued to 28 pilots many of whom moved the court.
The former Prime Minister said these licenses have no direct connection with the air crash investigation as these investigations are a means to identify the causes of accidents to prevent future disasters. The matter of pilot licensing purely relates to the CAA and because of the mishandling of this matter, the entire world is now doubting the capability of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation.
He demanded that the government must investigate the matter through due process and take strict Acton against those found at fault so that the credibility of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation be restored as soon as possible.
