ISLAMABAD: The annual loss of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has touched its pinnacle, crossing Rs 50 billion during the last two years. The total loss of national airlines was Rs 210 billion in last decade which has swelled to Rs 270 billion, whereas it has to repay the loans of Rs 300 billion. There are many factors like mismanagement, financial corruption, embezzlement, overstaffing, nepotism, and induction in violation of merit, especially appointments on political recommendations. This keeps expert workforce marginalised. Moreover, an incapable engineering departments and negligence in clearance of planes has pushed PIA to the brink of bankruptcy. Sources told Daily Times that Civil Aviation Authority had conducted the inspection of ATR aircraft in the months of April and May and recommended grounding the fleet. Director Safety and Flight Standards of CAA had forwarded a letter to PIA management in which it is clearly mentioned that ATR planes have become obsolete. Moreover, repair and maintenance of these aircrafts was not being carried out properly so they should be banned from flying. A group of pilots who were deputed to ATR aeroplanes also wrote a letter to PIA engineering department, asking them to comply with the orders of CAA regarding disallowing ATRs to take flight. But PIA’s high ups, in connivance with the incumbent government, exerted pressure on CAA to take the decision of banning ATRs and forcefully got permission and restarted ATR flights. The unlucky aeroplane which met a tragic accident at Havelian during current week was also an ATR-42. Sources said that after the incident, a wave of panic gripped the CAA as well as PIA’s staff. Most of the employees of both departments are very keen that the real culprit behind the incident should be brought to justice. They also demanded a powerful enquiry committee consisting of aviation experts, PAF officials and professional engineers to probe the incident transparently and hold those responsible accountable. CAA is not only watching the affairs of PIA but is looking to the issues related to other private airlines registered in Pakistan including Air Blue, Shaheen Airlines and Bhoja Airways. The job of CAA is to ensure clearance and fitness of the planes, and it aims to do that to the best of its ability.