PIA Operations Allowed Under Pakistan Essential Services Act 1952
The Pakistan government has invoked the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act of 1952 on Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL), enabling the national flag carrier to continue its rescue, evacuation, and repatriation efforts for Pakistanis and foreigners stranded in several countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This law has been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force for a period of six months. According to a PIA spokesperson, many Pakistanis and emigrants in various countries are still stranded with expired visas and limited resources, highlighting the need for uninterrupted operations to bring them back home.
What is the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act of 1952?
The Essential Services (Maintenance) Act 1952 is a law enacted by the Pakistan government that allows for the continuity of essential services during special circumstances. The law is designed to ensure that critical services, such as healthcare, transportation, and communication, remain operational during times of crisis or emergency.
For more information on the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act 1952, you can visit here.
The implementation of this law is expected to enhance the synergies between PIA’s departments and employees, ultimately achieving the goal of fully repatriating stranded Pakistanis around the world. The company aims to make a positive contribution to this national task and has already declared the number of Pakistanis stranded abroad.
Despite the risks associated with the coronavirus, PIA has conducted special flights to repatriate Pakistanis stranded in various countries, bringing back over 27,000 people to their homeland. The government has taken notice of these efforts and recognizes the bravery of PIA’s men and women who have endangered their lives to operate over 160 flights and evacuate more than 27,000 Pakistanis and other nationals.
The PIA director has received complaints from thousands of people in different countries who are waiting to return to their home country. The airline has assured that it will continue operations with government approval until no Pakistani is left behind.
Air Marshal Arshad Malik, executive director of PIA, expressed gratitude for the full support of all governments and national institutions in this mission. The spokesperson also announced that PIA would facilitate the return of the bodies of those who died abroad, providing relief to the families of the deceased.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the Essential Services (Maintenance) Act of 1952? The law allows for the continuity of essential services during special circumstances, ensuring that critical services remain operational during times of crisis or emergency.
- How many Pakistanis has PIA repatriated so far? PIA has brought back over 27,000 people to their homeland through special flights.
- Will PIA continue its repatriation efforts? Yes, PIA will continue operations with government approval until no Pakistani is left behind.
As the situation continues to evolve, PIA remains committed to its mission of repatriating stranded Pakistanis and providing essential services to those in need. With the support of the government and national institutions, the airline is poised to make a significant impact in this national effort.
