Not given clearance to enter US airspace; claims ‘political victimisation’. PHOTO: WASEEM NIAZ
Airport officials stopped Awami Muslim League (AML) chief Sheikh Rashid from boarding a Canada-bound flight on Friday on the pretext that he had not obtained prior clearance for travel.
Officials at Benazir International Airport pointed out Canada’s Transport Security Agency had not issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to Sheikh Rashid.
The AML chief was scheduled to attend a rally in Toronto on March 23.
Rashid said this was a clear case of ‘political victimisation’. “The government is fearful due to my active opposition,” he said, adding that the Canadian government had provided him with a five-year honorary visa just two days ago. “During my visit I had to address five rallies and meet religious scholar Tahirul Qadri on March 25,” he added.
PIA clarifies stance
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has denied allegations that it prevented Rashid from boarding PK781, bound for Toronto, on Friday.
The national carrier’s spokesperson said that the APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) – an online system of the US Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration – at the PIA check-in counter did not provide clearance for Rashid’s travel.
Clearance from this system is a pre-requisite for all passengers travelling to Toronto via US airspace. The system does not provide a reason in the event of non-clearance. The airline said it regretted any inconvenience caused to the party chief.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 22nd, 2014.
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The Tahir ul Qadri threat is becoming more and more serious for status quo. Now that everyone is disappointed with Imran Khan all revolutionary eyes are on Tahir ul Qadri. They will do everything they can to stop the Tahir ul Qadri influence but it is too late.... He is no longer a person, he is a phenomenon! he has woken up the revolutionary spirit in everyone! how many Tahir ul Qadris will you stop? Revolution is eminent!
Many Pakistanis believe SR to be a fraud. Apparently it seems the US Homeland Security holds a similar opinion. At least for once the US govt. and the Pakistani public are on the same page