Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi Thursday said that the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will go through a thorough ‘cleanup’.

Flanked by Information Minister Shibli Faraz and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahzad Akbar, he told the media that he was hopeful that the national flight carrier would get over the ongoing crisis and ‘emerge as the top airline of the world’.

He said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will also be among the top aviation authorities after the cleanup.

The minister said those who have gotten out of turn promotions or illegally appointed will be punished and the matter of the fake credentials would soon its logical conclusion,” he added.

He said the government is introducing a new aviation policy.

“After an investigation, 54 pilots were banned and no one will be spared on the basis of their political connections, it’s the politicians that destroyed the institute in the first place,” said Zaidi.

The minister said the safety of the people was the government’s responsibility and if there is doubt on the capability of any pilot then they will be grounded.

Zaidi revealed that five personnel employed by the CAA had already been sacked.

Shahzad Akbar said the prime minister directed the CAA to resolve the licence issue on a priority basis. Shahzad also said suspension of licences will be authorised at future cabinet meetings while doubtful licences are also being investigated upon.