ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan (FCCP) on Thursday directed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to submit a response in a case concerning the provision of medical facilities to its retired employees. During the hearing, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi observed that the national airline should value the services of its former employees, who had served the organization during its golden era. “The organization should not abandon its former employees but should consider their case on humanitarian grounds,” he remarked. Justice Rizvi also acknowledged that misuse of medical facilities had caused losses to institutions. Addressing the counsel, he said strict action should be taken against those involved in fraud.
He observed that, in the past, even perfumes had been purchased in the name of medical facilities. DNA
PIA’s counsel informed the court that the medical facilities system had been brought under regulation. Previously, medical coverage of up to Rs250,000 was available, but the annual limit had now been increased to Rs500,000, he said.
Justice Rizvi reiterated that the airline should deal with the matter concerning its retired employees with compassion and on humanitarian grounds. The case was heard by a two-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi. The court directed PIA to submit its response and adjourned the hearing.
