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Report of passengers` manhandling at IIA finalised

By Mohammad Asghar 2019-11-09
RAWALPINDI: The report of an inquiry conducted by the Airport Security Force (ASF) into manhandling of passengers at the Islamabad International Airport (IIA) has been submitted to authorities concerned.

Initially, 12 ASF officials had been transferred to otherairports.

According to sources, an additional director, three inspectors and eight other low-ranking officials were transferred apparently for failing to handle the situation. The sources said departmental action against ASF`s assistantsub-inspector, who allegedly manhandled the passengers, the company commander on duty at that time and CCTV in-charge was also recommended.

The incident occurred on Oct 17 when a PIA flight from Saudi Arabia to Peshawar was diverted to Islamabad due to bad weather. After landing, the passengers had to wait for several hours which led to their protest.

The quarrel between the passengers and ASF staff started when the latter tried to stop the passengers fromleaving the airport lounge and travel to Peshawar by road. Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the incident and on his directives the PIA station manager,assistant station manager and deputy shift manager, airport manager and two duty terminal managers were suspended and inquiries initiated against them.

`One of the ASF officials is being tried under Army Act 1952 because his action can`t be justified,` said a security official, adding the company commander was also found guilty of failing to handle the situation.

The court of inquiry headed by Brigadier Irfan Zafar, director ASF, was directed to initiate proceedings against the responsible officials under the Pakistan Army Act 1952 and complete the proceedings within 10 days from October 23.