ASF-passenger spat sparks probe

RAWALPINDI:

A passenger, who was travelling abroad along with his family, and the Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel clashed with each other at the New Islamabad International Airport on Tuesday.

The incident began when the passenger reportedly attempted to use the staff gate. Both the passenger and ASF staff exchanged inappropriate language, with accusations that the former raised a hand against an ASF official.

Various video clips of the incident surfaced. Senior officials later intervened and managed to resolve the issue after some efforts.

As multiple international flights were arriving and departing at New Islamabad International Airport, the dispute broke out between the ASF staff and the passenger, who was traveling abroad with family and children, at the entrance gate of the International Departure Lounge.

Several video clips of the incident emerged. In one video, an ASF official is clearly seen gesturing toward his colleagues, telling the passenger to "come along," and saying, "He (passenger) will slap him (ASF official); I won't let him go." The video also shows two children in the family looking disturbed, and a child with a bag on his shoulders is seen approaching his father. "

In another vide, some witnesses present at the airport can be seen and heard trying to calm down the passenger wearing a blue T-shirt.

In another video, an ASF official named Zia is seen moving towards the passenger near the staff gate. The video also captures the passenger saying something that sounds like "you're a filthy person."

According to sources, as the situation escalated, senior officials arrived on the scene, and the passenger accused the ASF staff of using inappropriate language and raising their hands.

However, after hearing both sides of the story, the passenger provided a written explanation stating that the incident occurred due to a misunderstanding, and the matter was resolved. The passenger, along with his family and children, later proceeded with their flight.

ASF officials explained that the passenger attempted to enter the lounge through the staff gate due to the crowd, but the staff gate is designated exclusively for airport staff and other authorised personnel.

The passenger was stopped when he insisted on using the staff gate, which led to a heated exchange. However, the issue was later resolved, and the passenger was allowed to continue with his journey.

Meanwhile, it was reported that the Director General of ASF took notice of the incident and ordered an investigation. The ASF spokesperson did not respond for version despite repeated attempts.