Transparent process adopted for Arshad’ appointment: PIA board lawyer

KARACHI (92 News) – Pakistan International Airline (PIA) board lawyer argued in the appointment of PIA managing director (MD) that the transparent process was adopted for appointment of Arshad Malik and the deployment took place on the deputation for three years. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the MD PIA appointment case. During the hearing, replying to the question of the court, PIA lawyer Naeem said that the board appointed Arshad Malik on the nomination of the government. The lawyer said that many problems created and some of them solved after interference of the court. Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that the court has only reviewed the implementation of the law. “They have conducted many experiments in PIA. They appointed a German CEO and he took a plane with him,” he remarked. Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that it is hijacking to flee a commercial flight. The additional attorney general stated unique logic and said that the plane was not stolen, it was actually out of date, on which the chief justice remarked don’t give such an argument that could not be digested. “The PIA board could not protect its plane. Was the case filed against the former MD in Germany,” CJP asked PIA board lawyer Salman Akram Raja said that a planned campaign is being run to defame Arshad Malik. Arshad has been on deputation to the country for three years. A transparent procedure was adopted for the appointment, on which the CJP remarked that Arshad Malik should be given the option of staying in the PIA or the Air Force. Does the PIA not need a full-time head,” he asked. Salman Akram Raja sought a time for assisting the court and the hearing was adjourned till February 20.