PIA CEO Cyan's appointment illegal, declares Supreme Court

ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court declared on Monday the appointment of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) CEO Musharraf Rasool Cyan null and void.

The ruling was issued by a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, while hearing a case pertaining to the privatisation of the national flag carrier.

Terming his appointment illegal, the bench remarked that Cyan did not meet the requirements to be appointed CEO of the PIA.

Justice Nisar said, during the hearing, said that the matter was referred to the federal cabinet but they have missed the chance.

Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that law, as per initial reports, was violated while appointing Cyan, adding that the court was looking into the matter. He added that the then prime minister's adviser on aviation, Sardar Mahtab Abbasi, was involved in his appointment.

CJP Nisar added, “We should look over Cyan’s appointment right now.”

However, PIA's counsel Naeem Bokhari argued, "The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has announced a verdict in the case and sent the matter to the cabinet for taking a decision".

Justice Ahsan questioned, "Was Cyan interviewed by a board before his designation?" He added the PIA CEO has no experience in the aviation field.

To this, the CJP remarked, the national carrier should have qualified and experienced CEO as it is already facing losses.

After hearing the arguments, the apex court declared Cyan's appointment as illegal.