Pakistan

Video surfaces of FIA officials thrashing female passengers at Islamabad airport

Women can be heard screaming for help as other passengers and staffers watch FIA officials thrash them

News Desk April 19, 2017

Women can be heard screaming for help as other passengers and staffers watch FIA officials thrash them. VIDEO SCREENGRAB

A new video of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials beating up two women at Benazir Bhutto International Airport has surfaced on social media.

A video which previously went viral, showed passengers and FIA officials fighting with each other. However, in the recent video, a woman can be seen being physically assaulted by female staffers of the FIA's immigration department at Islamabad airport.

FIA official allegedly tortures Norwegian national at Islamabad airport

The women can be heard screaming for help as other passengers and staffers watch FIA officials thrash them.

https://twitter.com/muhammad_al_i/status/854449368560279552

The video is of the same incident in which, instead of taking off from the BBIA a passenger landed at the Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) in Rawalpindi. A Norwegian national was allegedly tortured by female immigration staff of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) over a petty issue at the BBIA on April 15.

“We reached the airport along with my daughter Fouzia and Fatima Umer. Our flight was scheduled to take off at about 12:45 pm,” said their mother Haseena Begum while narrating the incident to The Express Tribune at BBH.

She added that Fouzia had gone to the restroom after obtaining her boarding cards and handing over luggage. As she came out of the restroom, Haseena said, Fouzia asked for some toilet paper from a female airport staff.

The staffer, later identified as FIA official Noshila, was irked by the request and said that she was from the immigration department and she had nothing to do with providing toilet paper, apparently a menial job of cleaners, Haseena said.

Responding to the somewhat rude reply of the immigration official, Fouzia asked her not to misbehave with travellers. The two continued to then exchange harsh words. Haseena said that Noshila allegedly threatened that she would not let them travel to Norway.

FIA denies officers beat up two female passengers at Islamabad airport

“As we stood in the queue for our immigration clearance, the FIA woman came and snatched our passports and boarding cards. She tore the boarding cards,” Haseena claimed. As news of the incident spread to television channels, the FIA immigration department released a statement claiming that the three female passengers had misbehaved with one of their staff.

People took to Twitter to express disgust over the incident.

Realy shame on #FIA department #Islamabad
— Mateen (@MateenAli92) April 19, 2017

@KlasraRauf bravo u played the real video of Islamabad airport, #Shame #FIA #ASF all the spineless men standing thr,NRP come to PK for this?
— Adil Rafi Khan (@AdilRafiKhan) April 18, 2017

https://twitter.com/realztaj/status/854456017844936705

Video of #FIA staff's intolerable behavior w/female passengers at #Islamabad airport is beyond disgusting.Strict action reqrd @MOIPakistan
— Saman Jafriسمن جعفری (@SsamanJay) April 18, 2017

Whatever the dispute unarmed passengers even if they get physical can easily be subdued by law enforcement no need to drag by hair #FIA
— Norbert Almeida (@norbalm) April 19, 2017

@KlasraRauf we've seen violence so frequently in last decade, we've turned out to be a violent society #FIA #MardanUniversity #MashalKhan
— Dr Waheed Mughal (@WaheedMughal) April 18, 2017

Taking notice of the matter, the interior ministry has ordered the FIA to suspend the involved officials at once, launch an investigation and submit a report within three days.

The FIA on Wednesday suspended the shift in charge for failing to control the situation. It also formed an inquiry committee headed by Director Administration Ahmad Mukkaram to probe the incident. Mukkaram has called the Norwegian women for a detailed interview tomorrow.

COMMENTS (51)

samina Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Just want to tell that the FIR woman should be in Jail and should be beaten as she did because i think like these woman are to much Frustration from home and they take the anger on the passage if you see they face will get so sacred like we are taking some wrong thing in our bag i will so shame all the people were standing watching them i feel bad the police should make this two ladys sit and make the fir women sit in front each other and show the video

RUBY | 7 years ago | Reply i also have also complain for these people i was on wheelchair and they didn't arrange ambulance and on every step every body was asking for money from counter while i have paid already in my ticket , i was really dis-heart alto even the behavior of air blue staff and immigration . even pilot told me to complain these all

VIEW MORE COMMENTS

Adnan Ahmed | 7 years ago | Reply @Dr Zahid Shah: Do you have more information on the Father and Son incident?

Maqsood A Kayani | 7 years ago | Reply @Irfan: Please share the link of the CCTV footage released by FIA. Thanks.

Noumi1971 | 7 years ago | Reply It's Karma. You get what you pay. These lady passengers stepped over the line & got what they deserved.

Ztech | 7 years ago | Reply They doesn't seems innocent either, please also how it was started ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAZImHFT9K0

Anaum Janjua | 7 years ago | Reply p.s: While we are busy putting the blame on the FIA officials, the people standing by the sides are equally responsible for this inhuman behavior. There's only a woman who is moving forward to stop the FIA female officer, the men are standing there dumb, deaf and blind, oblivious to the fact that this could have been their own family. Karma affects all, not only the people who commit injustices but also the one's who watch it happen and don't take a step forward to stop it.

Anaum Janjua | 7 years ago | Reply Went through both sides of the video, before and after. The women started it and then wouldn't stop. But then again this does not in any way justify the inhuman behavior of the FIA officials. They should have called the police, beating anyone like an animal in public while the little child related to her stares at all of this in horror while she begs for help... I'm truly disgusted. Just thinking about how that little child must have been affected emotionally and mentally makes my heart tremble for that pour soul. This just wouldn't do. The FIA female officer looks like she needs some serious training on how to control her temper. Please don't leave such combustible bombs on immigration desks. I've seen worst customers being treated in a very mature manner. Every officer present there needs to be sacked.

Raja Mehtab | 7 years ago | Reply Dear Blogger....!!! You mentioned one side of the picture in your story, you didn't see that hows that women were behaving with Police lady constables. They were abusing, misbehaving, threatening and comes in to their desks again & again. Is this all called mannerism or shows that they are belongs to educated class? Is it not our duty to consider them human as well? what else they could do when Both lady have crossed their limits? You didn't see these all aspects of the story. Request you to don't spread false news or one side of the picture. It shows poor class of reporting.

Irfan | 7 years ago | Reply A simple request to all who are bashing FIA. Please see the CCTV footage released by FIA and then decide who is wrong. These ladies asked for it.

UJ | 7 years ago | Reply Primitive behavior. The behavior of FIA officials and bystanders makes me not so proud to be a Pakistani.

sterry | 7 years ago | Reply @Farhan Khan: Couldn't agree with you more ! You hit the nail on the head. I also saw the video of the so called Norwegian. Imagine if she tried behaving that way in Norway. They would arrest her and put her in jail but she thinks she is above the law in Pakistan.

Farhan Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Alright everybody needs to calm down on the "terrorism in Pakistan" and "Obviously this had to happen because this is Pakistan". I am sick and tired of hearing this. I was very angry, just like many of you, when I first saw the footage of the officer beating the women. But this morning, I came across another footage that really shocked me. The two women were clearly acting aggressively with the law enforcement officers before they got beat up. Now let me remind you, if this were Norway or Canada lets say, these women would have been arrested right away for aggressive behaviour. No questions asked, no second thought. Straight hand cuffs and to the investigation centre. If this were the States and the women were acting this way, straight gun fire and terrorism charges laid. They would have vanished just like Afia Siddique. No signs of their presence. The truth is, and I am a witness of this, that whenever a Dual National Pakistani lands in Pakistan, they think that everyone else is lower in cast and capability. They start acting like they need special accommodations from top management simply because they are foreigners. If you don't believe me, try taking a plane from a first world country to Pakistan. The same people that stand in lines and repeat "Yes sir." "Yes Ma'am" "Absolutely I will take of my belt" are the ones that say "Hello excuse me I am foreigner" "I will get you fired". This sudden change in their tones always boil my blood. If you land in Pakistan and are still a Pakistani then act like one. You have no right to treat janitors, loaders, and security personnel like they are your personal servants and their only duty is to please you. Be nice, be respectful and please don't show off. To the people who are anxious to get out of Pakistan, be prepared for a bumpy ride. If you think your life will become easy by coming out, you're in for a-not-so pleasant surprise.

Joker | 7 years ago | Reply @Grace: I'm Pakistani and I disagree with what the OP said, but you have no idea. Most young Pakistanis that live abroad want to have as little to do with Pakistan as possible. Pakistanis are no different than Indians in that regard.

Pakistani | 7 years ago | Reply Please watch full video before going to any conclusion....Media always shows us one side of story like in this case my friend was at airport and told me that this women was not only acting rudely with FIA staff at airport but also had heated argument with some other passengers there...

Hassan | 7 years ago | Reply I think I owe an apology to FIA officials for my comment earlier. Just saw the video from Airport camera with shows the other side of the misbehavior at Islamabad International airport. There was some misbehavior with the FIA officials ans specially one of the male staff at the counter. We should watch the videos and views from both sides before we can judge the actual situation.

Ahsan | 7 years ago | Reply Shame on FIA...I have zero respect for them now

Fariha | 7 years ago | Reply This incident speaks volumes of the moral values and ethics of FIA female staff.... disappointing

just saying | 7 years ago | Reply Well it is not an apology of the FIA woman, but these "foreign nationals" are very often rude, misbehaving and insulting a lot. They think they are so much better than pakistanis, just because they escaped this country a few years ago and got some refugee money. They told how they are victims in Pakistan to get foreign passports, but then they fly here frequently... If I ask someone for something and he respond he's not doing it, can I blame him? I can think whatever about him, but it is not everyones duty to serve me. So I'll ask another person (politely), not call the first one an idiot...

Syed Shahzad | 7 years ago | Reply FIA is most rude department at the airport most of them even barely read & speak English and posted at international airports this lady constable sould be dismiss from job and has send to jail at least few years to learn good lesson shame on FIA they hire stuped people this FIA individual looks like from very low class family

Ayesha Aly | 7 years ago | Reply All those in uniform who were just looking and not stopping this beating not only should be suspended from service for abdicating in their responsibility but also tried for abating. This incidence is shameful and a blight on face of Pakistan.Is this how you treat women in Pakistan?. FIA staff who physically beat the female should be put behind bars. Tourist advisory will be issued of not to travel to Pakistan.....this incidence is so sad

Mandy | 7 years ago | Reply What is a Norwegian national? In the US, the word national is used by the libs if they don't want to use the term "illegal immigrant". Is is the same in this incidence? This woman was a Norwegian illegal immigrant? How would she have flown back to Norway and get back in illegally? i know it is off-topic of incidenct but just curious.

Usman | 7 years ago | Reply Humza, You can't generalise really there are good and bad people everywhere including in Scandinavia. If any Pakistani choses to live there it's their own choice and should be respected. You are being very judgemental towards overseas Pakistanis -- During my time in the US these overseas brethren that you so harshly judged went out of their way to support me and I cannot forget them. I really dislike how Pakistanis are quick to pass moral judgements on others. There is no issue with immigration officials asking questions; the problem in Pakistan is law enforcement agencies do not talk or behave professionally with passengers and misbehave. I have experienced inappropriate treatment myself with my family. They need to facilitate legitimate passengers. The way the FIA lady responded by resorting to physical violence calls for severe punishment. Lastly overseas Pakistanis send back billions of dollars in remittance each year which really helps or economy. The contribution of overseas Pakistanis must not be neglected. Just like there are some bad people within overseas pakistani community there are bad people livong within our country as well. I hope for a tolerant, non -judgemental Society in Pakistan.

Dr Zahid Shah | 7 years ago | Reply STOP THIS NOW OR BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES: This is the second incident within a week. Last week, two males - son and father were beaten up and now these women. It's a shame that the people who send so much money back, who love this country, who come here every year and spend thousands of pounds/dollars in turn receive this sort of treatment. There is no tourism in Pakistan, no one from around the world wants to come to this country. It's only these expats who because of their love for the land of their forefathers come here every year. I know hundreds of sons and daughters of Pakistan origin families who do not like Pakistan anymore because of these and other matters that we know very well. If the authorities do not do any concrete measures to stop this, believe me people would stop coming to Pakistan; there are other countries in the region worth going to and spending money on. Why come to Pakistan and get abused. Please think over this carefully and make an example of these abusers on the airport. Thanks for reading.

Grace | 7 years ago | Reply @Khan: You are not Pakistani because every Pakistani |I know wants to improve her country and not just complain. Only an Indian troll would talk like you. Why do so many Indians want to run away from their country and live overseas which is now harder for you since Trump stopped a lot of Indian visas?

Humza | 7 years ago | Reply @Asm: I have seen many overseas Pakistanis abuse people in Pakistan whether it is on PIA or at the airport or anywhere else for no reason. The airport staff need to learn to ignore the condescending behavior of expatriate Pakistani travelers. Especially those people who went to Europe or Norway as refugees and live in ghettos think they are somehow better than their own people at the airport? If you ask me, there is more dignity doing a job at the airport in Isloo than collecting government free money and living in a ghetto in Oslo or so European city. I think that the general Pakistani public needs to be educated about the status and manner of the overseas Pakistanis in Europe who need to use the same polite behavior they use for the Europeans to whom they beg overseas living as refugees. No one deserves to be abused. I know that this is not the way to react but I am sure that this so called "Norwegian" didn't behave like a Scandinavian to have provoked such a response. Real Scandinavians are very civilized people who are respectful of everyone.I travel a lot and I have seen how many expats behave.

mushtaq | 7 years ago | Reply Even if the traveller misbehaved,but as a government employee,she should remain professional.If the traveller resorts to even violence,just press charges.This is just abuse of power.Whenever I travel to Pakistan,I pray that nothing goes wrong at the airport,and I be able to board my flight.If someone gora,their tone is different.Even if you hold foreign passport,if you are Pakistani,just start praying at the airport that you are OK

Parvez | 7 years ago | Reply ....minor government officials learn from their seniors who learn from the head of the agency who in turn learns from the man sitting in Islamabad who answers only to the man actually living in London / Dubai / New York.....so what do you expect ?

Imran Qadri | 7 years ago | Reply Some years back while travelling with my family to London, I asked a White Immigration officer who stamped our passports with entry stamp about taxi stand which could take us to our Hotel, he rudely replied that its not his job to guide,we should ask from information desk.

SuperNeo | 7 years ago | Reply @Khan: Please stay in Pakistan. Why to create problem for others.

irfan shamim farooqui | 7 years ago | Reply I mean someone should ask these passengers that why they asking for tissue papers from Airport staff? Seriously, it's not airport staff responsibility to serve you tissue papers.

salman | 7 years ago | Reply The behavior is all over the airports.. FIA think themselves as masters while humiliating passengers.. POWA of political parties and army with them

Syed Zulfiqar | 7 years ago | Reply Every common Pakistani citizen should be treated even more harshly otherwise they will never give up their long sleep.

IBN E ASHFAQUE | 7 years ago | Reply @Ravian: Because the judicial system in Pakistan has long collapsed........MIGHT is RIGHT in the land of the PURE...............We all know who has power can abuse any ordinary person in Pakistan.................

Maqsood A Kayani | 7 years ago | Reply DALLAS AIRPORT FIGHT CAUGHT ON VIDEO - An extremely troubled unnamed man gets upset, starts a fight and then gets taken down hard by host of good samaritans at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxWimFepdn4

Khalid | 7 years ago | Reply This is horrible this is the way to deal with matter of fact all the Govt dept deal in this way because their selection isn't in merit

Maqsood A Kayani | 7 years ago | Reply If you guys think other airports around the world are any better, you should check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dASATLLvGRM

UP | 7 years ago | Reply I wish i was not born in this country.

WB | 7 years ago | Reply @Khan: And where you gonna go?? There is nothing like your own land. To get respect you earn respect.

Maqsood A Kayani | 7 years ago | Reply @Khan: With the likes of Donald Trump in power, no country in the world will accept you now. Better stay put in Pakistan and fix what you think is wrong.

JS | 7 years ago | Reply ....but CPEC is still a game-changer........

Raw Is War | 7 years ago | Reply wah Pakistan.

Hassan | 7 years ago | Reply It looks like as if the other airport staff have some fear of FIA or Offiicials as they were not interested to stop this Jungle behavior.

Muz Bukhari | 7 years ago | Reply Beauty of democracy. Surely her excellency the FIA lady officer has some powerful pawa. If the law moves, the FIA staff would go on strike. Hor chupo.

Tyggar | 7 years ago | Reply Good example of Pakistani hospitality

Ravian | 7 years ago | Reply Government employees in ALL government department are rude and uncivilized. They know that they will never be held acountable for their uncouth behavior.

Azhar Ahmed | 7 years ago | Reply So much for being professionals.......Shame on FIA, The 2 FIA women should be charged instead.

Jadoon | 7 years ago | Reply What a shame! Incidents similar to this are constantly increasing at Islamabad Airport, single capital airport.Quite alarming situation of law governing authorities.

Hijazi syed | 7 years ago | Reply Civil aviation Authority and government should take serious action against the culprits. There is no use to make it a criminal offence against passengers, Civil aviation should be helping people not curse people. They should paste an apology of the incidence on the wall of airport for two weeks. And fire the relevant staff for misbehaving with earners of foreign exchange for Pakistan.

Khan | 7 years ago | Reply Time to leave Pakistan and never come back inshallah

Asm | 7 years ago | Reply It's disgusting. Some FIA staff have no manners or respect for Pakistani citizens. They harass local citizens a lot. Pakistanis are becoming aggressive and corrupt to the core yet they never realize their own mistakes and blame everything on "external factors" like losers. At airports across Pakistan, you will see that they are very nice to foreign embassy officials, politicians and military officials, however towards the common citizen they are disrespectful. They lack basic etiquette.

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