Islamabad, April 7,2026The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges met on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Senator Waqar Mehdi to review multiple privilege motions and administrative matters, with a key focus on alleged misconduct involving Pakistan International Airlines cabin crew.
The meeting was attended by Senators Saadia Abbasi, Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail Via Zoom Atta Ur Rehman, Dost Ali Jeesar and Senator Jan Muhammad.
Chairman Committee Senator Waqar Mehdi directed that a third-party inquiry be conducted by the Ministry of Defence into the conduct of PIA cabin crew staff. The directive stems from a privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail on February 12, 2026, concerning alleged misconduct by Ms. Saima Rana, a cabin crew member on PIA flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7.
The committee recalled that recommendations issued on February 17, 2026, had called for grounding both the cabin crew member and the pilot involved. However, it was observed that PIA failed to implement these directives. Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail expressed disappointment over the airline’s non-compliance, stating that the crew was allowed to continue duties despite clear instructions.
He further criticized PIA for not conducting an impartial two-party inquiry, instead relying solely on an internal investigation without consulting him. He stated that multiple opportunities were given to the staff member to apologize if any mistake had occurred, but no such response was received despite efforts by crew members and Airport Security Force personnel to resolve the matter amicably.
Senator Mandokhail stated that he had paid a substantial fare for the journey, only to face humiliation. He questioned the basis on which the flight door was closed, passengers were prevented from disembarking, and ASF personnel were called in. He asked whether any crime or illegality had occurred, asserting that no such situation existed to justify the actions taken.
He remarked that if such treatment could be meted out to a senator, the situation for an ordinary passenger would be even more concerning, adding that in similar circumstances, an ordinary citizen might have been detained.
The senator initially recommended termination of both the cabin crew member and the pilot. However, in light of the committee’s collective view, it was decided that a third-party inquiry would be conducted by the Ministry of Defence. The committee also resolved that both the crew member and the captain would remain grounded until the inquiry is finalized.
Senate committee takes up multiple privilege matters, seeks accountability
In another matter, Senator Atta Ur Rehman raised concerns regarding the conduct of Senate Secretariat security staff. He informed the committee that he was denied entry through Gate 5 during rainfall, despite attempting to avoid exposure to harsh weather. According to him, security personnel cited instructions from the Chairman Senate restricting entry through that gate, while simultaneously allowing another senator’s vehicle to pass without obstruction. The committee decided to examine the matter in detail.
The committee also took up a privilege motion raised by Chairman Waqar Mehdi regarding alleged misconduct by Mr. Nabeel Ahmed Awan, Secretary Establishment Division, Islamabad. It was informed that a formal response and apology had been submitted by the Establishment Division.
In its written response, the Establishment Division acknowledged the complaint regarding non-responsiveness to telephone calls and WhatsApp messages sent by Senator Waqar Mehdi. It emphasized that Barrister Nabeel A. Awan holds parliamentarians in the highest regard and respects the constitutional status of the Senate of Pakistan.
The response termed the incident a matter of genuine regret and clarified that no intentional disregard or negligence was involved. Barrister Nabeel A. Awan tendered a sincere apology, stating that the lapse was unintentional and occurred during a period of intense official engagements, including Departmental Promotion Committee and Section Board meetings.
It was further highlighted that, for the first time, the Establishment Division processed and decided promotion cases of approximately 500 officers during this period. These responsibilities, along with other official duties, contributed to the communication lapse.
Barrister Awan assured the committee that he takes full responsibility for ensuring prompt communication with members of parliament in the future and confirmed that corrective measures have been implemented. He reiterated his apology and expressed hope that the committee would consider the matter resolved.
Committee to write to prime minister over communications minister’s non-response
In a separate case involving Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the committee reviewed allegations of misconduct against Federal Minister for Communications Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan. It was noted that no response had been received from the minister.
Terming the matter highly regrettable and unacceptable, the committee directed that a letter be written to the Office of the Prime Minister, emphasizing that such matters cannot be treated with leniency.
The committee also discussed the issue of a missing file related to House No. 622 in Islamabad. Officials from the Capital Development Authority informed the committee that the case is currently under consideration in the court and reserved for orders.
In light of the ongoing judicial proceedings, Chairman Waqar Mehdi deferred the matter, directing that it be re-presented before the committee after the court’s decision, along with a detailed briefing and report from the concerned authorities.
