CJP temporarily bars PIA from replacing national flag with Markhor

–Justice Nisar seeks report of contract, ask PIA MD whether the national carrier can afford such expenditure

–Top judge grills PIA managing director over ‘2.5 hours delay’ in his flight

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Sunday prohibited the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from replacing the Pakistan flag on the tails of its aircraft with the image of Pakistan’s national animal—Markhor.

Hearing the suo motu case regarding the national airline’s performance, Justice Nisar ordered the PIA to suspend all activities regarding the upgrading of the national carriers until the submission of a report on the said matter.

“We have found out that you are planning to replace our national flag [on the tails of PIA aircraft] with the picture of an animal,” the chief justice said to PIA’s Managing Director (MD) Musharraf Rasool Cyan.

“Which animal are you planning to place on the tails of the planes?” he inquired,

Upon which, he was apprised that it would be an image of the national animal, Markhor.

The PIA MD was then directed to present the details of the award of contract for using the desired image on the planes.

“Do you know the cost required for [placing the new mascot on the tail of] each plane?” asked the CJP and wondered whether the PIA generates enough funds to be able to splurge on re-branding.

“Rs2.7 million are required to place one sticker on the tail of each plane,” replied Musharraf to which Justice Nisar responded that the cost for placing a sticker on each plane would go up to Rs3.4 million.

‘WHY WAS MY FLIGHT LATE?’:

Moreover, he also admonished Musharraf Cyan about the delay in his recent flight from Karachi to Islamabad on Saturday.

“Do you know what time I reached Islamabad yesterday? Why was my flight two-and-a-half hours late?” the CJP asked. He was informed that technical difficulties had caused a delay in the flight.

The CJP further grilled Cyan by asking what his niece was doing in the national carrier. However, Cyan denied having any family member working in PIA.

The CJP concluded by warning the PIA MD: “I will also take a look at your performance.”