The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the authorities to complete process for degree verification of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees and submit the final report on the next hearing.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, was hearing the case related to fake degrees of PIA employees. The Supreme Court in May 2019 had rejected the review petitions of eight PIA employees who were found holding fake degrees.

Justice Gulzar said the employees holding fake degrees should be removed. The court was informed that many PIA employees, including pilots, had obtained degrees from Al-Khair University. "How can fake degree holders fly airplanes?" questioned the CJP.

Advocate Naeem Bukhari, representing PIA, contended that Sindh High Court had restrained Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Mashal Arshad Malik from performing duties. Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that the apex court was not very appreciative of his appointment.

The Sindh High Court in December 2019 restrained Air Marshal Arshad Malik from carrying out any function as the chief executive officer of PIA till January 22. It had issued notices to Air Marshal Arshad Malik and the federal government for January 22, 2020.

Arshad Malik filed an appeal in the apex court to set aside Sindh High Court order dated 23-12-2019 and stay further proceedings regarding the matter till its final disposal.

The counsel for PIA stated that the incumbent management is trying to restore the image of the national flag carrier and reduce its financial deficit. The court noted that PIA's debt has now soared to Rs 426 billion. The Chief Justice questioned why the PIA took loan when it was unable to pay back.

He said that news about its privatization is a joke with the prestigious department. He noted that 700 employees work on one airplane.

This is the last opportunity for the rehabilitation of PIA. The Chief Justice said that they would not allow shutting down the national airline. He inquired whether the authorities intend to buy new airplanes. Naeem Bhukhari replied the airline does not have money for it. Justice Ijaz said financial bailout package provided to PIA was spent in a few months.

The Chief Justice directed the attorney general to assist the court after examining the audit report on PIA deficiencies.

The lawyers appearing for Shujaat Azeem, former special assistant/advisor on aviation, said that he has rejected the allegations leveled against him in the audit report. The case was adjourned for four weeks.