Senate body for PIA BoD revamp

The Senate Special Committee on Performance of Pakistan International Airlines has strongly recommended revamping of PIA board of directors to improve performance of the national flag carrier. The committee, which met here on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Senator Mushahidullah Khan, approved the report submitted by PIA sub-committee headed by Senator Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah and comprised Senator Farhatullah Babar and Senator Lieutenant General Abdul Qayyum (retd). The committee forwarded the report for Senate's approval.
The report cites the reasons for PIA downfall along with suggestions and recommendations to make the airline better and profitable. The committee expressed its displeasure over the absence of managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of PIA and directed the secretary aviation to ensure presence of both individuals in the next meeting; otherwise, the committee will move a privilege motion against them and may also issue their arrest warrants.
The members of the committee showed reservations over the number of seats in the planes and suggested to increase the size keeping the comfort in mind. The committee was informed that the process to change seats of Boeing 777 will start in November; five out of nine planes have been promised to be sent to Singapore for the change of seats which will cost $42 million.
The special committee also discussed in detail the calling-attention notice of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla on the issue of selling PIA airbus A310 to a German company in "violation" of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) Rules. The committee was told that it has not been sold yet, however, Malta has borrowed it against 210,000 euros for a film, and PIA staff was taken there as well. Moreover, the committee was told that it is still parked in Germany.
However, the PIA's stance failed to satisfy the members of the committee. They inquired about the authority that had allowed the plane for a film, while would waste five days of the PIA staff. The committee sought an inquiry report in this regard. The committee also suggested restricting the sale of PIA tickets to sales and marketing departments only.