Man arrested for creating panic on plane

PESHAWAR:

A man was arrested for creating panic and temporarily disrupting flight operations after he boarded a plane at Bacha Khan International Peshawar on Saturday.

An official of West Cantt police told The Express Tribune on Monday an FIR has been registered against the passenger identified as Ikram Ali, a resident of Afzalabad, Swat.

He said Ali, who was travelling to Dubai, had boarded the plane and was sitting in his seat when he shouted the aircraft was under threat. His actions sparked panic among passengers and airline staff.  Ali refused to travel in the plane, added the police official.

The official said, “He suddenly started crying, saying the aircraft is not safe. It caused a stampede inside the aircraft and then at the airport.” The passengers ran out of the plane helter-skelter. The flight was then delayed as the plane had to be searched thoroughly. He said, “The aircraft was checked and no ‘threat’ was found.” The man was immediately arrested and handed over to West Cantt police station.

“The police registered an FIR against him on the complaint of Airport Security Force Assistant Director Syed Yasin Shah,” said the policeman.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd,  2016.