Fed cabinet approves appointment of Arshad Malik as PIA CEO for three years

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

According to sources, the decision was taken during cabinet meeting which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday. PM Imran Khan approved the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as the chief executive of the PIA for another three years, sources informed.

Malik will continue to serve as PIA chief after retirement from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on July 12. In the meantime, the cabinet was also briefed about fake degrees and licenses of the pilots and aviation officials.

 It was informed during the meeting that all pilots possessing fake licenses have been grounded. The meeting was informed all airlines of the country had directed to ensure transparency in procedures and licensing of pilots.

The PM instructed the cabinet members to complete investigations into the dubious licenses of the pilots at the earliest.

The prime minister directed to activate provincial finance commission in order for equitable development in all parts of provinces in an organized way and without any undue influence.

PM said this will also help remove the sense of deprivation among residents of different areas of the provinces. PM instructed to form a committee to look into public sector projects to be undertaken on reduced costs and improved quality.

The federal cabinet meeting also considered a 16-point agenda including the political, economic and COVID-19 outbreak situation in the country. The matter of amending the Companies Act 2017 related to FATF has been postponed in the meeting.

Earlier, the Supreme Court allowed Air Marshal Arshad Malik to function as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation with full authority. He was restrained from functioning as CEO of the national flag carrier by the Sindh High Court on Dec 23 last year.