This is apropos the letter by a PIA well-wisher on the presence of a rat on board Pk283 from Peshawar to Abu Dhabi on June 21. Can the Chairman and MD of PIA visualise the tragic consequences of an accident, if one such rat were to nibble few wires that run along the length of these modern day aircrafts, which operate on fly-by-wire technology? Unfortunately, PIA (like other state corporations) has been riddled by incompetence through the appointment of cronies, and resultant losses that have hiked to over Rs120 Billion in past three years.
Indiscipline reigns supreme in these corporations. The Chairman PIA, who also happens to be our minister for defence, should be aware that the US Navy has recently sacked 6 senior commanders for alcohol related indiscipline which was reported against them. On the other hand, it has been reported that PIA promoted an executive, alleged to be involved in similar violation of discipline, as deputy managing director.
In such an undisciplined organisation, it should not shock passengers if rats are found. They should thank their stars for arriving safely at their destination. PIA which was once called “Great People to Fly With” is now an airline nicknamed “Fat Rats to Fly With”.
GULL ZAMAN
Peshawar
