PIA's maladministration

PIA has been a victim of abuses by various governments, politicised unions, bureaucratic influences and a management dominated by mediocrity.
The CBAs in PIA have been always those affiliated to the ruling clique, and all wrong-doings done were with the collusion and support of a weak management. Almost all appointments to the top echelons of management were done on the basis of political recommendations, and this not only continues to date, but has lately become more pronounced.
There are no unions in PIA for the last three years, and therefore all rules in vogue were framed by its management without any pressure or coercion of any CBA or union.
During the PPP era there was some undesired political interference in a few appointments.
However when a questionable deal for acquisition of used Boeing 747 from SIA was being done, the regime had to shelve it after intense criticism from the press and parliamentarians.
Similarly there were a few very questionable appointments to senior cadre made by the Nawaz regime.
He himself had to order the removal of one director, whose appointment was against all rules and regulations. There were also allegations of appointments of a few undesirable elements in the female stewardesses recruited during these two political governments.
Some contracts were awarded without following the procedures, which caused a loss of crores of rupees to the corporation.
There was also a marked deterioration in the level of services provided both on board flights and in reservation, traffic and catering sections.
After the suspension of unions, there has been an appreciable improvement in the services. However, the problem in reservation of passengers and cargo marketing continues, inspite of tall claims by management.
Whole batches of cabin crew have been appointed, based on the whims of top management.
The percentage of undesirable activities of few cabin crews, who have the backing of powerful men in Islamabad and Karachi, has brought a lot of disrepute to the majority of professionals and the image of PIA.
The management's misuse of so-called discretionary powers, to violate its self-made rules, has caused a lot of frustration among the employees.
There have been serious breach of existing rules in some of the recent appointments, postings and promotions.
In a few cases those who resigned from the airline voluntarily and on their own accord have rejoined at the level of seniority without any loss of emoluments, as if they never left the airline.
In a few cases they were out of the airline for more than two to three years and had received their pensions, commutation, provident fund and other benefits etc Although rules do not allow these irregularities, yet they come under the much-abused term of discretionary powers of management, the ministry or the so-called competent authorities.
These gross irregularities have dented the credibility of PIA management and eroded the morale of the workers, and officers.
Recent Press reports and controversy on acquisition of expensive new planes and leasing of A310, along with huge investments in procurements of new seats have been a cause of concern for the employees, who have read reports on "sartibune" website.