ISLAMABAD: Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan has said that reform and restructuring process in the National Airline was underway and under new business plan, the government would make it a profitable institution.

“After inquiry 28 pilots have been found guilty for having bogus license,” he said addressing a press conference in Islamabad.

Also Read: PIA grounds 141 pilots allegedly for having dubious licences

He said that the inquiry report would be presented to federal cabinet in its next meeting and strict action would be taken against the culprits.

Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that at present 31 airplanes were functional in the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) fleet and it would be increased to 45 by 2023.

The Pakistan International Airline (PIA) has grounded its 141 pilots following the announcement by Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar that hundreds of pilots of the national flag carrier were suspected to be holding dubious licences.

PIA Chief Executive Officer Arshad Malik communicated about the fresh development to the Ministry of Aviation and all the ambassadors. He relayed that 17 other pilots were grounded earlier. The action has been taken on request of the aviation minister.

The captain of the passenger plane carrying 43 passengers that skidded off the runway in Panjgur, is also among the pilots who were barred from flying any further.