On January 2, Pakistani news outlet ARY News published a memo issued to 1,800 PIA flight crew workers by Aamir Bashir, the carrier's general manager, stating that the airline has decided to "gradually reduce waiver of 30 lbs (13.6 kg) excess weight to zero lbs in upcoming months for the cabin crew."
"If any crew found above 30 lbs from the desired weight after January 31, 2019, will be grounded and referred to Aircrew Medical Centre for medical evaluation and treatment until weight is reduced up to desired standard/BMI [body mass index]," the memo adds.
"Weight check of all the cabin crew will be carried out at their base stations respectively, and comprehensive data will be maintained for perusal of management," according to the memo.
The report also adds that those on "weight check" are required to "report [to] Grooming Cell" every month to receive clearance to fly, although the term "grooming cell" is not clearly defined.
In a statement obtained by multiple news sources, PIA spokesperson Mashhood Tajwar did confirm that the crackdown on the weight of flight crew members was a "regular, routine matter."
"No one would like to have shabby crew in the aircraft," he told media, also noting that the airline had received complaints about "obese" flight attendants and that the memo was released to ensure that the crew members on PIA flights are "slim, smart and fit."
PIA did not immediately respond to Sputnik's request for comment.
