There is an authentic Hadith relating to Hazrat Abu Bakr in which he emphasised eliminating conflicts of interest within his administration by ensuring that public office holders did not use their positions for personal gain. Pakistan today suffers because of the insatiable greed of a few cronies appointed by their political patrons.
Abuse of Power Destroyed PIA
Their abuse of power has destroyed the national airline, PIA, which—unlike many Gulf carriers and Singapore Airlines—had sufficient ethnic traffic to remain financially viable. A few individuals with questionable financial records played a key role in its decline.
Questionable Appointments
One had been associated with financial irregularities, including the Kidney Hill scam, yet was appointed Managing Director of PIA. He assembled a team whose apparent objective was to enrich themselves while in office. Among them was Salim Sayani.
Likewise, PIA Investments, the brainchild of Nur Khan, was undermined through appointments of individuals lacking financial integrity. One was a declared loan defaulter of the National Bank, while another had previously been dismissed on corruption allegations during the imposition of MLR 52 but later returned due to procedural shortcomings. His chief talent appeared to be producing impressive PowerPoint presentations.
Hotel Roosevelt and Other Assets
Hotel Roosevelt has remained closed for more than three years, while the airline’s other hotel barely survives.
Tribute to Mehdi Hassan
Tribute paid to Shahenshah-e-Ghazal Mehdi Hassan.
Open Skies Policy
Another damaging factor was the Open Skies Policy, under which PIA’s routes and ethnic traffic were effectively diverted to benefit Gulf airlines by politicians constrained by their own conflicts of interest.
MALIK TARIQ ALI, Lahore.
