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Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has terminated the services of the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) President Abdullah Jadoon and Secretary General Awais Jadoon amid a prolonged dispute between the airline’s management and protesting engineers.
According to the dismissal notices, the SAEP president was removed for holding a press conference without authorization and sharing official information with the media. Meanwhile, the secretary general was accused of disclosing confidential operational details and PIA images without approval.
The airline stated that both officials failed to participate in the inquiry proceedings despite multiple opportunities to defend themselves.
“After reviewing the evidence and witness statements, the committee found both individuals guilty of the charges,” the notices read.
PIA added that the officers were given two chances to appear before the CEO but did not comply, leading to their immediate dismissal.
Engineers’ Protest Continues to Disrupt PIA Operations
The decision comes as PIA engineers continue their two-and-a-half-month-long protest, which has disrupted flight operations across major airports. The engineers have been demanding salary increases and improved working conditions. PIA management has maintained that the engineers’ refusal to issue clearance certificates amounts to a strike, which violates the Essential Services Act currently in effect.
SAEP, however, insists that its engineers are performing their duties and only withholding clearance for aircraft that do not meet safety standards. Awais Jadoon previously stated that the engineers could not compromise passenger safety, adding that they were called for a “personal inquiry” instead of negotiations to resolve their concerns.
PIA has alleged that the protest aims to sabotage the airline’s ongoing privatization process. Despite disruptions, the national carrier said it has managed to partially restore flight operations through alternative arrangements, working overnight to minimize delays.
