ISLAMABAD: Federal cabinet on Tuesday has approved the appointment of Air Marshal Arshad Malik as Chief Executive of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

The federal cabinet meeting presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed Air Marshal Arshad Malik as the PIA chief executive for another three years. Now, even after he retires from the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on July 12, Air Marshal Arshad Malik will serve as PIA chief executive for another three years.

The cabinet meeting was also briefed on the issue of fake degrees. It was informed during the meeting that such pilots have been grounded.

The cabinet directed to complete the probe into the suspicious degrees of the pilots as soon as possible.

The federal cabinet meeting also considered a 16-point agenda including the political, economic and Coronavirus pandemic situation in the country.

According to sources, the matter of amending the Companies Act 2017 related to FATF has been postponed in the meeting.

Air Marshal Arshad Malik was born on 12 July, 1962 at Faisalabad. He joined PAF in 1978 with 76th GD (P) course and was commissioned as a fighter pilot in December, 1983.

He has flown various trainer and fighter aircraft including Mirage, F-6, F-7P, and F-7PG.

During his illustrious career, he has commanded a Fighter Squadron, a Flying Wing, an Operational Air Base and a Regional Air Command.

He was posted to China for 02 years to oversee and coordinate the development and manufacturing of JF-17 aircraft. He has also served initially as Deputy Chairman and later on as Chairman Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.

His Staff appointments include Personal Staff Officer to Chief of the Air Staff, Director Operations Project, Director Operational Requirement & Development, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (OR&D), Chief Project Director JF-17 and Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (Personnel) at Air Headquarters.

He is a Graduate of Combat Commanders’ School, Air War College, National Defence University and Air Command & Staff College, USA.

In recognition of his meritorious services, he has been awarded Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military), Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military) and Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military). NNI