ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges directed a third-party inquiry be conducted by the Ministry of Defence into the conduct of PIA cabin crew staff.
The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges held its meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Waqar Mehdi to review multiple privilege motions and administrative matters.
A privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail concerning alleged misconduct by member of a cabin crew member on PIA flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7. Senator Mandokhail questioned the basis on which the flight door was closed, passengers were prevented from disembarking, and ASF personnel were called in. He further criticised PIA for not conducting an impartial two-party inquiry, instead relying solely on an internal investigation without consulting him. The senator initially recommended termination of both the cabin crew member and the pilot. However, in light of the committee’s collective view, it was decided that a third-party inquiry would be conducted by the Ministry of Defence. The committee also resolved that both the crew member and the captain would remain grounded until the inquiry is finalised. The committee also took up a privilege motion raised by Chairman Waqar Mehdi regarding alleged misconduct by the secretary Establishment Division, Islamabad. The secretary Establishment Division also tendered sincere apology, stating that the lapse was unintentional and occurred during Departmental Promotion Committee and Section Board meetings. He reiterated his apology and expressed hope that the committee would consider the matter resolved.
In a separate case involving Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the committee reviewed allegations of misconduct against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. It was noted that no response had been received from the minister. Terming the matter highly regrettable and unacceptable, the committee directed that a letter be written to the prime minister.
