PNS Mehran attack was assisted from inside: NA committee told

It has been disclosed in the meeting of National Assembly (NA) standing committee on defence that evidence has been found terrorists involved in attack on PNS Mehran have been assisted from inside the base.
Committee met here Wednesday under its chairperson Azra Afzal Palejo. It was told that as many as four terrorists attacked PNS Mehran. However internal investigations had been finalized and external inquiry was underway, committee was further told.
Members of the committee from opposition side expressed dissatisfaction over the briefing given by Naval authorities on PNS Mehran attack.
After in camera briefing committee chairperson Azra Afzal Palejo told the media men that committee had given recommendations on how security arrangements could be improved. Committee was told that internal investigations with regard to attack had been completed and external investigations were continuing. “We are satisfied over Naval briefing. The responsibility in respect of Mehran base incident will be fixed on receipt of reports from Navy and Interior ministry.
PIA Deputy MD Sohail Bdhani told the meeting summary had been sent to federal government for regularization of 2900 daily wages employees but the government had not approved the summary so far. Defence ministry authorities told the details of the employees had not been provided by PIA.
Committee while expressing concern over it directed that matter be disposed of within a month.
Committee was told that restructuring and rescheduling was being carried out in PIA on the pattern of other airlines. Rescheduling of loan would lead to reduction in operational expenses by 15 percent.
Member of committee Sardar Mehtab Abbasi said PIA management could not be trusted. Committee member Haider Ali Shah told air lines had to suffer loss to the tune of Rs 60 billion during the tenure of former MD.
Committee has sought special audit report with regard to visits of former MD.