LAHORE - The PIA management has hired the services of M Salim Sayani, an American nationality holder as deputy managing director (DMD), against a hefty salary of $20,000 per month in addition to other perks and privileges, a document available with TheNation disclosed. The agreement, signed on July 16, 2009, says the contract shall be valid for two years, extendable up to two additional terms from the date of appointment. Apart from the salary, the DMD would also enjoy full medical facility, a five-star hotel room for three months at Karachi and family accommodation at Dubai. The document further says the employee will be entitled to seven per cent annual increment. The national flag carrier will arrange insurance coverage up to one million dollars or pay the said amount in case the hired DMD is kidnapped for ransom. In case of death or injury during kidnapping in service, the PIA is bound to pay up $1 million for any injury to the employee or to the legal heir in case of his death. In the head of gratuity, three months gross salary will be paid for each completed year of service on maturity of the contract period, subject to the PIA Board of Directors approval. The contract states that 1300cc Toyota Corolla GLI car with chauffeur will be given to the employee. Section F of agreement also promises transportation/baggage allowance for shifting the household items and a car from the United States to Dubai/Pakistan by sea shipment. The expense will be paid/reimbursed to the employee. An amount of $50,000 is payable as transfer/setting allowance on one time basis. A PIA senior officer seeking anonymity said technical delays had been rising at an alarming rate since the said DMD took over his charge. When contacted, a PIA spokesman said the salary package was a private and confidential matter, adding that certain people within the organisation were making undue hue and cry. He said no employee serving in Pakistan could get salary in foreign currency. About the technical delays, he maintained that these were being caused by the extra care taken for the passengers security.