ISLAMABAD, July 12: The federal cabinet on Wednesday announced an immediate ban on the use of Fokker aircraft for passenger flights.

The cabinet, which met here with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the chair, called for a ‘transparent and speedy probe’ into Monday’s Fokker crash and directed the investigation committee to find ‘exact reasons that caused the horrible tragedy’.

“From now onwards Fokker planes will not be used for commercial flights. Though the Fokker fleet is meeting all international standards, we have imposed the ban owing to growing demands from passengers and cabinet members,” Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani told a briefing later.

When pointed out that much before the Multan crash Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal had asked PIA to stop using Fokker planes for commercial flights, Mr Durrani said: “That’s why now you see the ban.”

According to insiders, some cabinet members said that although Fokker aircraft were considered the safest worldwide, in Pakistan they were called ‘flying coffins’ because they were being used beyond their capacity and age, and their maintenance left a lot to be desired.

They called upon the PIA management to apply for fresh International Air Transport Association certification to restore passengers’ confidence at the domestic and international levels.

“How many of us are willing to fly with PIA. In fact, passengers have lost confidence which needs to be restored,” sources quoted a minister as saying at the meeting.

Mr Durrani said it would be premature to link the crash to terrorism. “Let’s wait for the report of the investigation committee,” he said in reply to a query.

The Fokker fleet will be used only for cargo and other purposes, including charter by private parties. The F-27 fleet, comprising six aircraft, is being replaced with ATRs.

To meet the gap created by the grounding, Boeing aircraft will fly between destinations with facility for large aircraft.

To other domestic destinations, such as Northern Areas and Chitral, C-130 aircraft will be used and if needed they will be chartered from other countries.

PIA said in an announcement that in pursuance of the government decision it had decided to make alternative arrangements for its Fokker flights. All F-27 passengers were requested to contact the PIA call centre at UAN: 111-786-786.