(Karachi) Federal cabinet has approved the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as Chief Executive of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), media reported on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during cabinet meeting which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The PM approved appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as the chief executive of the national flag carrier for another three years.

Malik will continue to serve as PIA chief after retirement from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on July 12.

Meanwhile, the cabinet was also briefed about fake degrees and licenses of the pilots and aviation officials. It was informed during the meeting that all pilots possessing fake licenses have been grounded. The meeting was apprised that the government is taking steps to secure air travel as well as strengthen engineering side of the Pakistan International Airlines. At least 28 pilots of PIA having dubious licenses have been dismissed from service.

The PM directed the cabinet members to complete investigations into the dubious licenses of the pilots at the earliest.

The federal cabinet meeting also considered a 16-point agenda including the political, economic and Coronavirus pandemic situation in the country. The matter of amending the Companies Act 2017 related to FATF has been postponed in the meeting.

Earlier, the Supreme Court allowed Air Marshal Arshad Malik to function as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation with full authority.

He was restrained from functioning as CEO of the national flag carrier by the Sindh High Court on Dec 23 last year.