The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has dismissed Abdullah Jadoon, President of the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP), and Awais Jadoon, its Secretary General, following an intensifying standoff between the airline’s management and engineering staff that has disrupted flight operations in recent days.
Union Leaders Dismissed After Missing Hearings
According to a notification issued by PIA, both union leaders were terminated from service under the airline’s internal regulations after they failed to appear before the CEO for scheduled hearings on November 4 and 5. The notification added that the dismissals followed formal inquiries initiated last year, with both individuals given “multiple opportunities” to present their case.
The decision comes amid the engineers’ ongoing protests over poor working conditions, pay issues, and safety concerns. Flights in Karachi and other cities have faced significant delays as engineers halted safety clearances for several aircraft, forcing PIA to make alternative maintenance arrangements.
Reacting to the dismissals, Awais Jadoon claimed the action was retaliation against engineers who refused to clear aircraft with unresolved technical faults.
“We will challenge these decisions in court,” he said, adding that engineers had only been insisting on addressing safety violations and aviation maintenance standards that were allegedly being ignored.
Protests, Flight Delays, and Management’s Response
The engineers’ protest, which began over two months ago with members wearing black armbands, has evolved into a full-blown standoff. According to SAEP sources, the management failed to open a dialogue despite repeated peaceful demonstrations. Engineers say they have not received a salary raise in eight years and accuse the airline of a shortage of spare parts, claiming pressure to approve unfit aircraft for flights.
The union insists it cannot compromise passenger safety, even under administrative pressure. However, PIA’s CEO has ordered strict disciplinary measures against any staff involved in activities disrupting operations.
A PIA spokesperson dismissed the engineers’ claims, stating that the SAEP has “no legal standing” and accused the movement of attempting to “sabotage the airline’s privatisation process.” The spokesperson added that the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, is currently enforced in PIA, making strikes and walkouts illegal.
“Labeling operational disruptions as safety concerns is a deliberate attempt to pressure the administration,” the spokesperson said, warning that further participation in such actions could lead to legal consequences.
The dispute has left multiple flights delayed or grounded and passengers stranded, with tensions between the national carrier’s management and engineering staff showing no sign of easing.
