ISLAMABAD: The Sta­nding Com­mi­ttee on Rules of Procedure and Privi­leges on Thursday over the repeated absence of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) chief executive officer from its meetings and directed that his presence be ensured at the next session.

The committee met at Parliament Hou­se under the chairmanship of MNA Muh­a­­mmad Afzal. Lawma­kers reviewed a pri­vilege motion moved by MNA Abdul Qad­ir Patel against PIA officials but were un­­able to proceed due to the CEO’s absence.

The panel decided to summon the PIA chief for the next meeting, expressing anger over his persistent absences, which disrupted their proceedings.

The committee also disposed of a privilege motion submitted by MNA Fateh Ullah Khan against a Punjab Police official, following a request by the mover to withdraw it.

Expresses frustration over repeated absence by airline’s top executive

In another matter, the committee re­­v­iewed a privilege motion filed by MNA Sabeen Ghauri against an Islamabad Police official accused of using abusive language. Members instructed Ms Ghauri to attend the police inquiry un­­derway to help identify those responsible.

Committee members also voiced displeasure at the absence of senior offici­als from the Capital Deve­lopment Authority (CDA), particularly the engineering and finance members, and directed them to attend the next meeting.

The committee deferred discussion on proposed amendments submitted by MNA Syed Rafiullah due to his absence.

Lawmakers attending the meeting included MNAs Mir Khan Muha­mmad Jamali, Zulfiqar Bachani, Shagufta Jumani, Ramesh Lal, Khawaja Izharul Has­san, and Ghulam Muham­mad. Movers Abdul Qadir Patel and Sabheen Ghouri were also present.

Senior officials from the ministry of parliamentary affairs, ministry of law and justice, ministry of interior, Islamabad police, and Punjab police also attended the meeting.

PIA to resume Dubai-Skardu flights

Meanwhile, PIA will re­­sume direct fli­ghts from Du­­­bai (DXB) to Skardu (SKU) International Air­port commencing May 30, the consulate general of Pakistan in Dubai annou­nced in a press release.

A cake-cutting ceremony at PIA’s Dubai office, attended by Consul Gen­eral Hussain Muhammad, marked the “successful re-launch”. The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group.

Mohammad Asghar in Raw­alpindi also contributed to this report

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2025