Islamabad, Feb 22 (IANS) Pakistan Supreme Court has directed the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation (PIAC) to recall 73 of its women crew members suspended for being overweight and of "dull appearance".

The management of the national carrier was Wednesday asked to renounce the "insulting remarks" made in the notices served to the women crew members, that also asked them to go on forced leave, and immediately recall them.

Six of the air hostesses had petitioned the apex court on Feb 10 complaining that they were being forced to retire on the grounds of they having "dull and poor appearance, scars on the face, gap in front teeth and the age factor affecting their looks".

They were also told that they needed to lose weight and improve their English language skills, The Daily Times said.

On Wednesday, the chief justice heard them and the PIA counsel, and ruled: "Cabin crew as well as persons on ground duties to whom notices have been issued shall be taken on duty immediately. Initially, a period of three months will be provided to them to make up the deficiencies, which have been provided."

The court has asked the PIAC management to give three months to the complainants to make up for their deficiencies before sending their cases to the 'Suitability Board' to examine the discrimination pointed out by the applicants.

However, Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry said services of aggrieved crew should not be terminated for the reasons mentioned in the notices. A report shall be submitted to this court after three months.

On Feb 13, the SC directed PIA Chairman Tariq Kirmani to explain the "derogatory and insulting" treatment of the women staff by the corporation.

The plaintiffs complained that the airline's administration was recruiting women from Japan, Thailand, Kenya, Russia and Greece to replace them at a monthly remuneration of $5,000, while they are being paid only Pakistani Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 ($205 to 330) for the same job.