THERE are two important reactions to the preliminary inquiry report into PIA plane crash in Karachi – Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed on Thursday observed that unqualified pilots flying plane, with passengers, on a fake licence is like propelling a missile which can blow anytime and anywhere and global airline body IATA said irregularities found in pilot licences at Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) represent a “serious lapse” in safety controls by aviation authorities.
Irrespective of the initial findings into what caused the crash, the revelation in the report that some 150 of PIA’s 434 pilots have “dubious licences is alarming and needs to be taken serious note of by all concerned. The issue of fake licenses and fake degrees is not confined to PIA alone as fake degree holders are present in almost every department/organization and many of them have even retired after completing their service tenure. But presence of dubious degree/licence holders in medical and flying professions speaks of callousness of the recruiters and regulators as unqualified/incompetent doctors and pilots pose threats to human lives. There is serious question mark on the overall ability of the government to screen out such elements and especially on the part of regulators who are there for the very purpose. It is ironical that the campaign against fake degree holders initiated in the past with the help of Higher Education Commission and relevant universities was not taken to its logical conclusion in the face of manipulation of the process by vested interests. Why tolerate those who pose threats to human lives and are occupying positions that should have gone to competent and suitable persons if merit and transparency was followed strictly. The report about presence of 150 dubious license holders is attributed to CAA, which ought an explanation as to why action has not so far been initiated against them.
