(Karachi) Federal Minister Ali Zaidi has said that numerous licenses were issued to pilots during 2010 to 2018 without considering merit.

Addressing a press briefing along with Information Minister Shibli Faraz and SAPM on Accountability Shehzad Akbar, he said that all the licenses issued to pilots during the said period turned out to be "dubious".

He said the PIA has been facing numerous issues and downfall since the last few years. He added the PTI-led government is striving hard to bring the national flag carrier's lost glory back.

Zaidi maintained that PIA will be cleansed of all the corrupt and fake staff to make it one of the top airlines in the world.

The minister highlighted that within 10 years, PIA collapsed while private businesses of the rulers increased manifold. "Politicians are behind destruction of our state institutions," Zaidi remarked.

He revealed that PML-N leader Mushahidullah had recruited his family members and friends in different departments of the PIA. "After investigations, 54 such staff members were grounded."

He mentioned that 4,000 pilots with "dubious licenses are flying aircraft in India. "The government's first priority is the safety of people and we will not compromise on it," he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Shehzad Akbar said that the PM has directed the Civil Aviation Authority to complete investigations at the earliest.

"There is need to bring accountability in the institutions for running affairs in a transparent manner," he said.

He said the present government will not hide facts from the people and bring the corrupt mafia to light.