Third-party inquiry by ministry into conduct of PIA cabin crew ordered

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges has ordered a third-party inquiry by the Ministry of Defence into the conduct of PIA cabin crew.

The directive stems from a privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail on February 12, 2026, concerning alleged misconduct by Ms Saima Rana, a cabin crew member on the PIA flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7.

The Standing Committee met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Waqar Mehdi to review multiple privilege motions and administrative matters, with a key focus on alleged misconduct involving Pakistan International Airlines cabin crew.

The committee recalled that recommendations issued on February 17, 2026, in which the Senate body had called for grounding both the cabin crew member and the pilot involved. However, it was observed that PIA failed to implement these directives.

Senator Mandokhail expressed disappointment over the airline’s non-compliance, stating that the crew was allowed to continue duties despite clear instructions.

He further criticized PIA for not conducting an impartial third-party inquiry, instead of relying solely on an internal investigation without consulting him. He stated that multiple opportunities were given to the staff member to apologize if any mistake had occurred, but no such response was received despite efforts by crew members and Airport Security Force personnel to resolve the matter amicably.

Senator Mandokhail stated that he had paid a substantial fare for the journey, only to face humiliation. He questioned the basis on which the flight door was closed, passengers were prevented from disembarking, and ASF personnel were called in. He asked whether any crime or illegality had occurred, asserting that no such situation existed to justify the actions taken.

He remarked that if such treatment could be meted out to a senator, the situation for an ordinary passenger would be even more concerning, adding that in similar circumstances, an ordinary citizen might have been detained.

The senator initially recommended termination of both the cabin crew member and the pilot. However, in light of the committee’s collective view, it was decided that a third-party inquiry would be conducted by the Ministry of Defence. The committee also resolved that both the crew member and the captain would remain grounded until the inquiry is finalized.

In another matter, Senator Atta Ur Rehman raised concerns regarding the conduct of the Senate Secretariat security staff. He informed the committee that he was denied entry through Gate 5 during rainfall, despite attempting to avoid exposure to harsh weather. According to him, security personnel cited instructions from the Chairman of the Senate restricting entry through that gate, while simultaneously allowing another senator’s vehicle to pass without obstruction. The committee decided to examine the matter in detail.

The committee also took up a privilege motion raised by Chairman Waqar Mehdi regarding alleged misconduct by Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Secretary, Establishment Division, Islamabad. It was informed that a formal response and apology had been submitted by the Establishment Division.

In its written response, the Establishment Division acknowledged the complaint regarding non-responsiveness to telephone calls and WhatsApp messages sent by Senator Waqar Mehdi. It emphasized that Barrister Nabeel A Awan holds parliamentarians in the highest regard and respects the constitutional status of the Senate of Pakistan.

The response termed the incident a matter of genuine regret and clarified that no intentional disregard or negligence was involved.

Barrister Nabeel A Awan tendered a sincere apology, stating that the lapse was unintentional and occurred during a period of intense official engagements, including Departmental Promotion Committee and Section Board meetings.

It was further highlighted that, for the first time, the Establishment Division processed and decided promotion cases of approximately 500 officers during this period. These responsibilities, along with other official duties, contributed to the communication lapse.

In a separate case involving Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the committee reviewed allegations of misconduct against Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. It was noted that no response had been received from the minister.

Terming the matter highly regrettable and unacceptable, the committee directed that a letter be written to the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing that such matters cannot be treated with leniency.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026