CAA sacks employee over hurling blasphemy threat

Employee had reportedly hurled threats at female security officer for raising concern over his alleged abuse of power

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has sacked an employee who allegedly threatened a female Christian security officer with blasphemy charges over a parking row in Karachi.

According to the footage of the incident at Karachi airport, the incident occurred when a female security officer chastised a man for allowing an acquaintance’s vehicle through security without a vehicle pass.

The man allegedly threatened the female officer with blasphemy charges, saying he would “call preachers … I am mad and will cut [you] up”.

The female officer can be heard calling the man out for threatening her with blasphemy allegations and daring him to register a blasphemy case against her.

The video of the incident went viral on social media, inviting criticism and condemnation.

A statement issued by the CAA spokesperson said the row occurred on Thursday and that officials were aware of the matter.

The statement said that the CAA employee had been dismissed from service and a detailed investigation was ordered.

PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari took “strict notice” of the incident, saying it was shameful to accuse the female security to prevent her from performing her duties.

Zardari directed the federal and provincial governments to protect the female security officer, adding that some elements wanted to bring a bad name to Pakistan by using the name of religion.