KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday restrained the authorities from taking any action against Imran Khursheed Narejo, Secretary General (SG) of Pakistan Airlines Pilots Association (PALPA) and ordered them to stop an inquiry against him until he recovered from Covid-19.

According to a written order of SHC bench, Narejo is a commercial pilot, serving in Pakistan International Airline

(PIA) and a number of documents were referred to such as the constitution of PALPA, highlighting the duties of a Secretary, as Narejo is the incumbent Secretary General (SG) of PALPA.

In the wake of the current pandemic (COViD-19), a meeting was held on 04.04.2020 which decided that members of PALPA will not operate any flight because the management of PIA was not strictly implementing the Standard Operating

Procedure (SOPs) about safety, the counsel for Narejo contended.

However, subsequently the matter was resolved amicably in a meeting held between representatives of PALPA, PIA and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA); "as evident from the Minutes of Meeting". Chief Executive officer (CE0) of PIA addressed a correspondence to Narejo, appreciating his efforts.

However, on June 23, 2020, a show-cause notice was issued to Narejo alleging that he incited workers for a strike or go-slow.

In the intervening period, Narejo was tested positive for COVID-19, thus his wife through a letter sought time to file a reply to the said notice.

On July 99, 2020, Narejo was called in person to attend the inquiry proceedings, his counsel stated and submitted that inquiry is being held with a "predetermined mind" and in violation Of Employee Disciplinary Policy (EDP).

The bench ordered to issue summons and notices to PIA and others and ruled that since Narejo is still in quarantine, therefore, till next hearing on August 07, 2020, no adverse action may be taken against him. Once he is declared fit by a PIA doctor, he should reply to a show-cause notice and participate in the inquiry proceedings.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020