ISLAMABAD: Senate has decided to launch a probe into the role of Air Commodore (r) Imran Akhtar and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ex-CEO Bernd Hildenbrand in the sale of the working aircraft to the German museum in violation of rules and regulations.
During the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Thursday, Senator Farhatullah Babar alleged that Imran Akhtar prepared the summary to sell the aircraft, and later pleaded ignorance. Babar further said that a privilege motion can be brought against him in the Senate.
Aviation Secretary Irfan Ilahi apprised the committee that a notice had been issued to Imran, but he has since retired. To which Babar responded that an investigation can be conducted against him under the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) laws.
Moreover, the senator also questioned the removal of the PIA’s CEO name from the Exit Control List (ECL). It is crucial to note that Hildenbrand’s name had been placed on the ECL earlier after a number of corruption charges were made against him.
Subsequently, a sub-committee was formed to investigate the accusation against the two aforementioned PIA officials.
Earlier this week, the NAB chief had also directed for an enquiry to be launched into the matter.
Imran Akhtar, brother of ISI DG (r) Rizwan Akhtar, had been posted in 2014 as senior general manager in PIA’s Procurement and Logistics Department, with four other officers of the PAF.
Earlier, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was asked by the Senate’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to look into the controversial sale of a PIA plane to the museum.
Earlier this year, the aeroplane (A-130) — capable of flight—was sold to a museum in Leipzig, despite the fact that no permission had been sought, the senators had informed in March, adding that neither an agreement was signed nor the PIA received any advance payment for its sale.
Moreover, the Senate committee also demanded an investigation against all those involved in the heroin smuggling via national carrier, fearing high-ups of airport authorities could be involved in the smuggling of the contraband.
They said they were afraid the high-ups of the Airport Security Force (ASF), PIA and Customs could be involved in the smuggling of the contraband.
The committee also showed displeasure over the non-implementation of its earlier suggestions for the national carrier’s improvement.
