PIA sacks two senior SAEP officials amid ongoing flight disruptions

The Pakistan International Airlines has dismissed Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan President Abdullah Khan Jadun and Secretary General Owais Khan Jadun amid an ongoing dispute that has already disrupted flight operations across the country. According to the official letters, both officials had been offered opportunities for personal hearings on November 4 and 5 as part of an inquiry initiated in 2024. However, the airline stated that neither appeared before the PIA chief executive officer for the hearing. The inquiry ultimately recommended their dismissal under relevant PIA regulations. Jadun said the decision would be challenged in court, insisting that the necessary documentation was available to contest the termination. The national flag carrier has linked the dismissals to what it described as technical faults in aircraft and violations of operational procedures. The PIA claimed that the refusal to clear aircraft deemed technically unfit had contributed to the dispute. Also Read: PIA flight diverted to Karachi after bird strike mid-air For several days, SAEP members have been protesting against the management, leading to widespread disruptions in flight operations, including dozens of delays and cancellations. The engineers have demanded salary increases — which they say have remained frozen for eight years — timely provision of aircraft spare parts, and what they describe as a stress-free working environment. SAEP has maintained that it will not compromise on aircraft safety or operational standards. “We will not give in to managerial pressure and will not clear aircraft unless they are fully airworthy,” the association has stated. During the protest, PIA engaged engineers from a private firm to support routine operations, but they struggled to manage the workload, resulting in further delays. The standoff between the airline and its engineering staff remains unresolved.

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