Degree questioned: PIA issues show-cause notice to Bajwa’s brother

LAHORE: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has issued a show-cause notice to its employee, Javed Iqbal Bajwa, on allegations of possessing a fake degree.

Javed Iqbal Bajwa, reportedly the brother of former Army Chief General (Retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, was serving as the Deputy Station Manager in Birmingham, UK. The notice, issued by PIA’s Finance Manager in Birmingham on July 30, warns Bajwa to prove the authenticity of his degree within seven days or face termination.

The incident follows PIA’s directive last August, requiring all employees to submit their educational certificates and documents. It was discovered that the Intermediate certificate submitted by Javed Iqbal Bajwa was fake, as the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Lahore did not verify his roll number 25703.

The board confirmed to PIA management via a letter that Bajwa had not passed the Intermediate examination under that roll number or name. Show cause notice to Javed Iqbal Bajwa, citing violations of the airline’s Employees Disciplinary Policy 2019. The notice alleges that Bajwa breached relevant clauses of the policy and has been given seven days to respond.

Sources reveal that Javed Iqbal Bajwa has been a long-time employee of the national airline and has acquired local regular employee status after relocating to the United Kingdom. PIA spokesperson stated that the airline awaits Bajwa’s response within the stipulated time. If Bajwa fails to provide proof of the authenticity of his certification, further disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with PIA’s rules and regulations.