KARACHI(National times)- The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has dismissed the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) President Abdullah Jadoon and Secretary General Awais Jadoon from service, the airline’s spokesperson Abdullah Hafiz confirmed. The move comes amid a tense standoff between PIA management and its aircraft engineers, who have been protesting for over two and a half months to demand pay raises and other benefits. The engineers’ refusal to issue aircraft clearance certificates has caused widespread flight delays and disruptions across the country. PIA maintains that the engineers’ actions amount to a “strike,” a violation of the Essential Services Act currently enforced in the airline, which prohibits work stoppages. “All elements involved in or supporting such actions as part of a conspiracy will face legal action,” the spokesperson warned earlier. The two SAEP office-bearers had been summoned for an inquiry on Tuesday but failed to appear before management. Following the investigation, both were dismissed from service on Thursday.

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Reacting to the development, Awais Jadoon said the engineers were fulfilling their duties but would not compromise on air safety. “We are being pressured to issue clearance certificates, but we cannot risk passengers’ lives,” he stated, reiterating that engineers were not on strike and were only approving aircraft that met full airworthiness standards. PIA, however, has accused the protestors of attempting to derail the national carrier’s privatisation process. The dispute has severely affected operations, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at major airports earlier this week.