Malaysia reinstates Pakistani pilots after verifying licenses

In this still from a video released by Pakistan International Airlines, a Pakistani pilot is seen sitting in an aircraft cockpit, preparing to land on the uneven terrain of Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan. (PIA/File)

• Pilots were suspended after authorities in Pakistan announced that up to a third of the country’s pilots may have falsified their qualifications
• Malaysian regulator said 18 Pakistani pilot license holders in the country were verified by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority

ISLAMABAD: Malaysia has verified that all Pakistani pilots currently employed in the country hold valid licenses and it has reinstated them with immediate effect, its aviation regulator said in a statement on Thursday.
The pilots were suspended on July 2, days after authorities in Pakistan announced that up to a third of the country’s pilots may have falsified their qualifications.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said 18 Pakistani pilot license holders in Malaysia were verified by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
Earlier this month, CAAM said the pilots were employed with “local operators” such as flying schools, flying clubs and training organizations.