ALL PALPA MEMBERS: –
السلام عليكم
On Behalf of the Executive Committee, I would like to ‘thank’ the entire membership once again for their confidence and their patience as the Communiqué with you was long over due on the issue of imposition of Tax on Flying Allowance. The incumbent Executive Committee since being sworn in has been busy day and night in dealing with burning issues of Taxation on Flying Allowance, Induction of A-320s, Pension, Seniority, allowances as well as PALPA Accounts.
We would also like to thank the higher management in taking keen interest in discussing to resolve the tax issue by giving us their personal assurances. The Advisor to the Prime Minister on Aviation also issued instructions to resolve the matter and advised the concerned departments to arrange the additional payments through their own resources.
However, despite all the assurances and guarantees by the Higher Management, the Executive Committee was astonished to find out that all that was promised was not delivered. The Executive Committee through its membership has been going the extra mile to accommodate the Flight Operations Department, but unfortunately our every step forward has been met with two steps backwards, as our own department has taken a back seat in resolving the prevailing issues.
We are fully cognizant of the unrest within the membership, but rest assured we are working to have the tax issue resolved. Whereas, more important and permanent solution to incorporate PALPA’s suggested Tax formula has been accepted during our meeting with the Finance Ministry and with the promise that same would be incorporated in the forthcoming Annual Budget. (Although, we tried to convince the Ministry on our historical principled stance of TAX FREE FLYING ALLOWANCE but according to the Finance Ministry; 5% tax was suggested by PALPA, therefore, we had to respect the previously suggested formula by our own Association).
A case for the restoration of Pension Trust Deed has been filed with the Honourable Sindh High Court, this was a very long pending issue as our pension was pegged since 2002, I sincerely hope that we get the decision in our favour to get a relief for our retired senior colleagues.
We will keep you all updated on our future course of action.
With Best Regards,
Capt. Amir Hashmi
PRESIDENT