The government has invoked the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, allowing Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to take disciplinary actions against employees who disobey lawful orders. This act, implemented on the orders of the Ministry of Interior, will be in effect for six months.
This isn’t the first time the act has been enforced, as PIA has faced similar measures in the past, particularly during employee protests that threatened flight operations.
The act applies to all employees who fail to comply with lawful orders during their employment or attempt to persuade others to do the same. It also covers those who abandon their jobs without reasonable excuse, absent themselves from work, refuse to work, or leave a designated area without proper authorization.
Under this legislation, any employee convicted of an offense could face up to one year in prison and may also be fined.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that the government has decided to privatize PIA, with eight business groups having submitted Expressions of Interest (EoI).
