ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet has directed Aviation Division to appoint Director General (DG) Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) within three weeks and expedite process to fill vacancies in PIACL Board.
Federal Cabinet while considering the summary submitted by the Aviation Division on July 7, 2020 directed "to cancel the CPL/ATPL licenses issued to 28 pilots against whom all disciplinary proceedings had been completed, with the direction that both disciplinary and criminal proceedings against the remaining suspected license holders be expedited".
In line with Cabinet's directions and as per provisions of Rule 342 of Civil Aviation Rules, 1994 the Director General PCAA cancelled the licenses of 28 pilots and suspended licenses of 193 pilots. In accordance with Civil Aviation Rules, 1994 (CARs 1994), suspended pilots were provided with a right to appeal and opportunity of personal hearing to ensure completion of due process of law. The committees duly constituted under the provisions of CARs 1994 for investigation under Rule 342(2) and hearing of appeals of suspended pilots completed its tasks.
It was informed that as a result of investigation and hearing of appeals, 22 pilots had been identified who obtained their respective licenses on the basis of fake computer-based pilot examinations; 6 of these pilots who had approached the Lahore High Court against their suspension order had been granted stay and the CAA had been restrained from passing final order. Therefore, their licenses would be cancelled after vacation of stay.
It was noted that the Supreme Court of Pakistan in its Order of July 21, 2020, had directed DG CAA to take stern action against all those found involved in violation of or deviation from the rules and procedures, and to bring them to book. The court also directed that action should not only be of departmental nature but criminal cases should also be registered against persons who committed illegal or wrongful acts in CAA.
It was added that on a reference from the Aviation Division, FIA had initiated criminal investigation against the CAA employees and other person (s) who were directly or indirectly involved in commission of the stated offences i.e. fraud and misrepresentation in computer-based pilot examinations. Further, five officers and staff of CAA were initially placed under suspension; three employees (one officer and two staff members) had been dismissed from service after following due process under the law. Action against one CAA employee was pending due to stay granted by the Sindh High Court, while inquiry/investigation against the remaining staff member was on-going.
The Aviation Division solicited the approval of the Cabinet to the cancellation of licences of 22 pilots against whom it was established that the computer-based pilot examinations were fake, including action against six pilots after vacation of stay order from the court.
During discussion, the Aviation Division further stated that there were 32 pilots who held genuine CPL licences but irregularities were found in their APTL exams. Their licences were suspended for 12 months and the directions of the Cabinet were sought whether to extend the suspension of their licences for a further period of 12 months or write letters to their respective airlines, informing them of the facts, for taking decision at their end. It was pointed out that this issue had neither been reflected in the summary nor there were any clear recommendations to the Cabinet. It was opined that Aviation Division should deal with the issue in accordance with the law, and if approval of the Cabinet was required, a formal summary with clear options and recommendation of the Division, should be moved for consideration of the Cabinet.
The members exhorted the Aviation Division to expedite the process and bring this sensitive issue to closure without further delay. The Prime Minister enquired about the status of filling vacant positions in the PIACL Board as well as of DG, CAA. It was informed that summary for appointments in PIACL Board would be placed before the Cabinet in the next meeting, while the process for selection of DG CAA had also been initiated and is expected to be completed in three (03) weeks. The Secretary, Aviation Division, informed the Cabinet that his Additional Charge of the post of DG, CAA, was expiring on September 16, 2020. The Cabinet agreed to extend his Additional Charge for 3 weeks and directed that appointment of regular DG, must be ensured within this period. After a detailed discussion, the Cabinet extended the Additional Charge of the post of the DG, CAA, held by Secretary, Aviation Division, for a further period of three weeks and directed the Aviation Division to ensure the appointment of regular DG CAA within this period. The Cabinet also directed the Aviation Division to expedite the process of filling vacancies in the PIACL Board.—MUSHTAQ GHUMMAN
