The Supreme Court has allowed PIA chief executive officer Arshad Malik to continue his work for another month.

Air Marshal Arshad Mahmood Malik was given the breather by the apex court on Wednesday, directing that he can continue as CEO of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for one month.

The ruling came from Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed during the hearing of the case regarding the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as PIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The court also sought details from the PIA high-ups of all the contracts, asking the authorities to also explain which of these contracts the Airlines wants to continue.

The court adjourning the hearing till April 20, summoning Arshad Malik in his personal capacity and other PIA officials and union office-bearers.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed said that the country is suffering from coronavirus due to the negligence of PIA and incumbent government of Pakistan.

Justice Gulzar further remarked, “Should we close PIA as it is playing with the lives of people.” 

Earlier in January, the Supreme Court turned down Air Marshal Arshad Malik’s appeal to reinstate him as CEO of PIA.

A three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmad permitted the board of directors to perform functions for the running of the national carrier of PIA. Justice Gulzar then remarked that Air Marshal Malik was appointed temporarily. He questioned the appointments of two air vice marshals, four air commodores, three wing commanders and one flight lieutenant in the PIA.