PIA plane to be used in Israeli propaganda movie
Tariq Abul Hasan
December 01, 2016 Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) took another U-Turn by the continuously changing it stance on shabby A-310 aircraft deal. Since yesterday, the national carrier is issuing multiple statements to justify its aircraft's utilisation in an Israeli propaganda movie.
Interestingly, the recently appointed German CEO of PIA has sold it to a German Museum. Surprisingly, it is said that the air worthy A-310 was sold at a cost of mere 50,000 Euros. Aviation experts say that the price of such an air craft would be millions of Dollars. It is also interesting to know that even the body of the aircraft (without seats, engine etc) can easily be sold at this price.
Even if it is assumed that the PIA’s claim of selling it to a German Museum stands correct, no sale deed is being provided. Also, there is no condition what so ever for the utilisation of this aircraft. Moreover, this aircraft has to be delivered without PIA logo on it. All these facts aside, the most criminal act is that this A-310 would be used in an Israeli propaganda movie, overlooking Pakistan’s national interest in particular and Muslim Umma in general.
According to reports, the plane would be used for a scene in the movie which shows that Palestinians have hijacked an Air France passenger flight in order to get their demands approved. The plane is stationed at a Malta airport.
Geo News reported that the plane would be used in the movie supporting the Israeli point of view and would be against the Palestine.
After the news was aired, PIA panicked and has issued three contradictory statements thus far. In an earlier statement, the airline said that the aircraft has been sold but when sought documents regarding the sale, PIA issued another press release saying that the plane was rented. In a statement the Airline says, “Reference media reports regarding a PIA aircraft being used in a movie, it may be noted that the aircraft has been given on rent to a film production company where it would be used in Air France livery and not as a PIA aircraft.
PIA plans to sell all its A-310 aircraft and for this purpose, an advertisement has been published in the media. A museum in Germany has also expressed its interest in buying the plane and to keep it as a symbol of PIA's presence in Europe, among aircraft of several other international airlines. The final decision about selling it would be made after bids are opened on 12th December, in accordance with relevant rules.
Media and public should rest assured that PIA management is fully cognizant of Pakistan's relations with all the countries and no step would be taken which is not in accordance with government's policy in this regard.”
However, today the PIA once again is saying that the aircraft was sold to a German Museum. However, the airline accepts that it this A-310 will be used in an Israeli propaganda movie as Air France livery.
According to Geo News’ investigation, PIA has decided to ground its four A-310 aircrafts by the end of this month. The date of opening these tenders is December 12. Interestingly, this A-310 aircraft has been sold well before the opening date.
When PIA spokesman was asked that whether the government was taken on board before selling the plane, he said that the airline never goes against the policy of the government.
If the spokesman’s statement is considered true, then questions arise that why the organisation has been given a clean chit by the defence ministry for using such tactics to do business?
Why the national interest of Pakistan was overlooked in this case?
Will an inquiry be conducted in this regard and the culprits be given lengthy punishments?
And most importantly, will the masses be informed about the outcome of the investigation? Or this investigation would also end up in the garbage like many others.
Source: Geo News
Source: Jang