Brawl between ASF, CAA personnel prompts probe

RAWALPINDI:

An inquiry committee has been established to investigate a confrontation between Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) staff at the New Islamabad International Airport.

The clash erupted over the alleged lighting of a fire.

The dispute escalated when the CAA team attempted to capture images of the smoke in the duty cabin of ASF.

Reports of the altercation reached the respective director generals of ASF and CAA, prompting the formation of a four-member joint inquiry team.

The team, led by the deputy airport manager of civil aviation and the additional director of ASF, is tasked with unravelling the details surrounding the incident.

Sources reveal that CAA vigilance and fire brigade personnel were on duty at the airport on the night between Thursday and Friday. The ASF's mobile post, situated on the cargo side of the airport, became a focal point of contention. ASF Quick Response Force personnel were stationed there when CAA officers arrived, alleging a complaint about unauthorised fires in the restricted area.

The ASF personnel denied the complaint, but the CAA staff observed traces of black smoke in the cabin. A disagreement ensued when CAA staff attempted to enter the cabin to document the evidence.

ASF commandos prohibited their entry, citing the presence of government weapons inside.

Tensions escalated, leading to a physical altercation between the two agencies' personnel.

Upon receiving information, additional ASF and CAA officials reached the scene to bring the situation under control. Following a complaint by CAA, ASF initially suggested an inquiry at the headquarters level. Subsequently, a joint inquiry team was formed to investigate the incident.

The inquiry team has initiated the process by recording statements from officials of both institutions. The Express Tribune contacted the New Airport police station which confirmed the altercation.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 27^th, 2024.