ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday declared the appointment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Musharraf Rasool Cyan null and void.
A three-judge bench of the top court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar issued the order while hearing a case pertaining to the privatisation of the airlines.
As the hearing went under way, Justice Nisar said, “The matter was left to the cabinet but they have now lost the chance.”
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked, “As per the initial report, PIA CEO Cyan’s appointment was not according to law.” Naeem Bokhari, counsel for the PIA contended that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had announced a decision in the case and sent it to the cabinet.” Justice Ahsan then remarked, “The PIA CEO was appointed in violation of rules and regulations.”
“Was Cyan interviewed by a board?” he further questioned. “He had no aviation experience prior to his appointment,” Justice Ahsan observed.
To this, the CJP remarked, “PIA is running in losses and should have a CEO who is extremely qualified and experienced.”
Published in Daily Times, September 4th 2018.
