The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday refused to grant a stay on an application seeking the reinstatement Air Marshal Arshad Mahmood Malik as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The court also refused to suspend the Sindh High Court (SHC) order regarding removal of PIA CEO.

Seeking details of the case from the SHC, the SC linked the case with the privatisation of the national carrier.

The apex court, however, allowed the board of directors to perform functions for the running of the national carrier of PIA.

Presiding the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmad remarked that Air Marshal Malik was appointed temporarily.

SHC bars PIA CEO from performing duties

'The gentleman [Air Marshal Malik] was on deputation and brought along a team of ten,' Justice Gulzar said. 'I do not know how the air marshal will operate the airline? It is better that he packs-up. PIA is a national asset, not someone's personal property.'

Justice Gulzar stressed that the federal government should appoint the chief executive in accordance with the law.

Attorney General Anwar Mansoor pleaded that an advertisement was given for the appointment of chief executive and Arshad Mahmood was confirmed as CEO of PIA as per the procedure.

Justice Sajjad Ali Shah remarked that the advertisement has to be reviewed whether it was issued with a 'particular design'. 'We will look at old advertisements also,' he added.

The hearing was adjourned for two weeks.

Earlier, the SHC restricted Air Marshal Malik from performing the duties of the CEO and also barred PIA from making new appointments and dismissing or transferring employees.

PAC seeks briefing on PIA's internal control system

Besides, the court restricted PIA from selling assets worth over Rs10 million and from policy-making with regards to sales and purchases.

The plea was filed by the PIA Senior Staff Association (SASA) General Secretary Safdar Anjum against the air marshal's appointment.

The petitioner maintained that Air Marshal Malik does not have the academic qualifications required for the post. He does not have any experience with regards to airlines either.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan