RAWALPINDI: The human resource department of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has taken strict action against 43 of its employees after conducting inquiries.

As many as 28 employees were dismissed from service during November on various charges including possession of fake degrees, disclosure of official information and so on while 15 others faced a reduction in their pay scale.

Besides this, 12 employees were awarded with letters of appreciation and monetary awards for their good work.

Four employees were dismissed from service for possessing fake education degrees and eight for long absence from their duties; three were dismissed from service for their alleged involvement in fraud, while two for theft and destruction of official record and one for alleged smuggling. The services of four employees were terminated over receiving bribes from customers and contractors while two others for disclosure of official information.

In addition to this, four employees were demoted over charges of disobedience and refusal to carry out lawful order issued by the management and salaries of three employees were reduced to the lower pay scale for insubordination.

The PIA management also issued letters of displeasure and caution to eight workers whereas eight employees were cleared in the inquiries against them.

Moreover, the management issued appreciation letters to nine of its employees, while monetary awards were given to three employees for their good performance.

The HR department stated that discipline is the most important aspect of any organisation as it binds the employees and motivates them to follow the organisation’s rules and regulations whilst ensuring that individuals maintain harmony at the workplace and work as a team to achieve organisational goals.

Discipline is in-fact the lifeline of an organisation, therefore, it is important to appreciate hardworking and dedicated employees and punish defaulters found guilty after transparent and unbiased inquiries as per law.

30pc discount on domestic flight fares

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has introduced special fares with a discount of up to 30pc on domestic operations between Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Quetta, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Peshawar from Dec 3, 2020 onwards.

According to a PIA spokesman, the airline has introduced these special fares on domestic flights for winter holidays.

Passengers will now be able to travel on one way flights between these cities in Rs8,500 while round trips in Rs17,000; previously PIA would charge Rs12,275 and Rs24,600 for both.

PIA Spokesperson, Abdullah Khan said that the purpose of these fares was to facilitate people while they travel to their homes and loved ones during winter, adding, many families intend to travel during this time but they stay back due to high costs.

People can benefit from these fares on a first come first serve basis, he added.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2020