A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft that had been held up in Malaysia due to unpaid dues claims is set to be returned soon, according to the Aviation Division. The news was announced during a subcommittee meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of parliament on Thursday, with Syed Hussain Tariq chairing the session.
The committee discussed audit objections pertaining to the Aviation Division from the fiscal years 2005-06 to 2017-18.
Panel member Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed sought an update on the status of the PIA aircraft detained at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The Aviation Secretary clarified that a PIA Boeing 777 had landed in Kuala Lumpur, with one of its engines leased from a company that had been fully paid off.
The Aviation Secretary further stated to the subcommittee that efforts are underway by PIA’s legal team to secure the aircraft’s release through legal channels in Malaysia.
When asked about the anticipated timeline for the plane’s return, the Aviation Secretary assured that the aircraft should be recovered by next week, coinciding with Senator Mushahid’s visit to Kuala Lumpur. He added that all relevant documentation demonstrating proof of payment had been presented to the Malaysian court.
The company leasing the aircraft to PIA approached the court with a claim of unpaid dues amounting to $4.5 million, a claim contested by PIA. The national airline maintained that they owned the aircraft in question, having paid $1.8 million for one of its engines, which the leasing company allegedly owned.
Read More: Pakistan In Talks With Foreign Consultants To ‘Restructure’ PIA
A spokesperson for PIA categorically rejected the claim made by the leasing company to procure the seizure order, labeling it as “inaccurate”. The spokesperson revealed that PIA’s legal representation in Kuala Lumpur is actively disputing the matter in court.
While the legal proceedings continue, PIA has made arrangements to accommodate the passengers of the impounded plane on an alternate aircraft. The spokesperson assured that once resolved, the Boeing 777 in question will resume regular commercial operations from Kuala Lumpur.
Previously, in January 2021, another Boeing 777 owned by PIA was held in Malaysia for approximately two weeks over a $14 million unpaid dues case. (With additional information from agencies)
