Pakistan

Pakistan withdraws military delegation after 'unwarranted' airport checks

The delegation was visiting after an official invitation to attend a meeting at the US military Central Command.

Express September 01, 2010

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has ordered a visiting military delegation to return from Washington to protest "unwarranted" airport security checks.

The delegation was visiting the United States after an official invitation to attend a meeting at the US military Central Command, ISPR said in a statement.

According to the ISPR, the delegation was subjected to unwarranted security checks at Washington airport by US Transport Security Agency.

Later, the delegation was cleared and US defense officials regretted the incident. However, as a result of these checks, military authorities in Pakistan decided to cancel the visit and call the delegation back.

COMMENTS (77)

Boota Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Faraz [Obviously i dont like an army whose chief proudly mentions in his book that he sold pakistanis for cash. I want a professional army, not the one which recruits civilians to...] Absolutely with you bro, but probably you were having a nap when we got rid of Mush and one thing more; please don't criticise the institution for an individual's wrong doings. I will appreciate your concern. @ Farooqui [@faraz i think you will find that you are running a little behind time, we got rid of that chief years ago and our present chief has nothing non professional about him or the way he runs] Forgive him bro :-)

Roy | 14 years ago | Reply Those Brothers who consider it as a legal act should be clarified with a simple solution to their extreme comments. If that action was right then why my brothers Defence Ministry of United States suddenly issued the apologize statements. This atleast clarifies to those that this action was illegal. Secondly it is unworthy to comment with personal grudges these people have against the most professional force of a nation (As far as pakistan is concerned). It is even more important to tell these brothers that this delegation was not on a personal or local enjoyment or a picnic plan made by Army but rather this delegation was called on by Professional and Official members of CENTCOM. Any delegation on official basis whether it belongs to a Pakistan or any other nation of the world has it prestige and honour that has to be kept under cosideration at all costs. Even if it is a civil delgation. Unwarranted airport security check (Emphasising on word 'Unwarranted') of Top security Officials of a country is an embarssing situation, to which Pakistan Army has responded quite accurately. It itself is a blow on CENTCOM, Defense Ministry of US and US Govt. that a nation which is a close ally in war on terrorism has called of its Military Delegation from inside the borders of US. And this is a blow to them only if they consider it.

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Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply PAK FAUJ ZINDABAD!!!!! No one in the world could have done this a right decision with the right attitude! Wish the Politicians, the Citizens and the PCB adopts this too and most of all these Americans have no probs going thru security checks in UAE why cant we ridicule them the same way when they come to Pakistan istead of bowing down to them after al they are the ones responsible this world i facing terrorism in the first place!!! "DEMOCRACY IS THE BEST REVENGE yeah...AGAINST TEH PEOPLE OF PAKISTAN!!!!"

Dr Qaisar Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply @Ali Farooqui. Thank for your pleasantries. Thank you for quoting a Pakistani website daily. There is also another version of the story need not mentioning here. @ The Experess Tribune, 'airport checks' means airport checking before flight (embarking). On the other hand, the check under discussion was on-board (on the plane). Perhaps, the daily quoted the words of the ISPR issued in regards to the incident. Nevertheless, the positive in the incident is that now when a civilian Pakistani approaches a Pakistani in uniform sitting at a high padestal and tells him that he is innocent but has been humiliated by foreigners on a foreign land, the Pakistani in uniform will believe in his words. The story radiates two conclusions: First, today, if a civilian Pakistani is humiliated, tomorrow a Pakistani in uniform will also be humiliated. Secondly, a Pakistani without any stars on his shoulders is also a Pakistani. I hope that sharing the pain of humiliation will make us (the Pakistanis) united. Thanks American airline, Airport security staff, stewardess, and the American passenger for making us concluding this fact.

Ali farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply @faraz i think you will find that you are running a little behind time, we got rid of that chief years ago and our present chief has nothing non professional about him or the way he runs

Eeman | 14 years ago | Reply Kids getting ripples of pleasure over not-staying-for-long pride.

Khan | 14 years ago | Reply This is ludicrous. For heavens, you're talking about a VIP delegation here..such actions are an insult which shouldn;t be taken cool-headedly

faraz | 14 years ago | Reply @Booota What has selling Pakistanis to do with my patriotism? I think those who sell pakistanis to US are the ones whose patriotism should be doubted. Obviously i dont like an army whose chief proudly mentions in his book that he sold pakistanis for cash. I want a professional army, not the one which recruits civilians to fight proxy wars.

Ali Farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply @Dr Rashid: Firstly accept my apology if I came out rude.. perhaps the masked persona of writing a comment on internet made me say things which I wouldn't if we were having this discussion face to face.. Back to the point what irritated me was that your reply gave me an impression of a person criticising for the sake of criticism 'tanqeed bara-e-tanqeed" .. Firstly I believe you are mistaken as to the facts of this scenario .. they were not checked randomly they were checked because an American idiot took a Pakistani general's comment "I hope this would be my last flight" as enigmatic (Source: http://dailymailnews.com/0910/04/Editorial_Column/DMColumn.php) kindly open the link which will confirm they WERE talking amongst them selves thus I stand corrected (if you dont believe in the credibility of the source I can provide more links or feel free to google it yourself), having identified themselves as foreign delegation they were refused access to Pakistani embassy and Centcom (on whose request they were there) for over an hour. Secondly I did mention the FATA delegation issue in my previous comment where I stated "this is not the first time it happened" I did and still would appreciate their action however it is not a part of current discussion so I dont know what you are trying to acheive by bringing this up. Thridly you completely missed the point in my last post, what I said was an example .. plain logic. In order to avoid any further confusion with usage of examples here is my point .. A blunder was made by the security staff that is detention of diplomatic staff contrary to the regulations (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplomaticimmunity#DiplomaticimmunityintheUnitedStates) now since this blunder was done the diplomatic delegation returned in protest and as I said earlier this was not the first time .. a standard apology was issued my question is why has there been no inquiry? (that is my suggested action as stated in previous comment) twice a foreign delegation have been insulted why is this diplomatic blunder and failure of system ignored and glossed over by empty words (apology). You insist I reply to your question whether they should be suspended or sacked I gave you my reply in previous post which I believe you ignored in haste .. If you still insist on reply then here goes no they should not be suspended or sacked forthwith but there must be an inquiry and recommendation and retraining to security staff must be given America should learn to behave like a honourable country which it claims to be and cut down on its hollywood gung-ho attitude. Hope this answers your query Wasalam @Boota Khan .. Cheers

Boota Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Ali Farooqui [I find it hilarious that you think my idea of empty apologies acceptable is a wrong concept, I am pleased to see the Army has honour and enough dignity to refuse, if the softie give-the-second-cheek ideology you propagate is used we would be trampled even more.]... I like it. Keep it up Bro

Boota Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ FK ....Thanks bro @ Faraz ...... Are you from Emaan's Camp :-) One Army has to stay in your country. If that's not yours then certainly enemy's. So if you don't like your army, well get yourself another passport.

Dr Qaisar Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply @Ali Farooqui. I don't know what irritated you. I wrote the new cutlery was banned. Read my comments again. You wrote 'they were talking among themselves'. Kindly update your information. That was not the case. Do curse American public if they have wrong view of the Pakistanis. In the past, the parliamentarians from FATA also refused to proceed and came back. Hail them as well. That was not a family affair to quote example of a father and a child. Think seriously. The airport security and staff were not children of the US military. Kindly quote relevant examples. Remind the exemption point to the American authorities and don't visit America. You did not answer my question: should the (American) airport staff and officers be suspended and thrown out of service?

Ali Farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply @Dr Rashid ... You would really body search your guests and expect them not to be outraged? Honestly?? I am not a liberal softie so forgive me for laughing at "your" ludicrous concepts of it being acceptable to disrespect the guests .. you talk of delegation not acting like state guest I ask you what did they do? did they go around in commando suits taking photos ? they were only talking amongst themselves it is not their fault that the general American public's stereotypical view of Pakistanis is stupid. I find it hilarious that you think my idea of empty apologies acceptable is a wrong concept, I am pleased to see the Army has honour and enough dignity to refuse, if the softie give-the-second-cheek ideology you propagate is used we would be trampled even more.It is this is not the first time a state delegation is disrespected, If I found that my child has disrespected my guests the LEAST I can do is talk to my child there could at least be an inquiry to find how come a state delegation was disrespected or is it too much to ask from the mighty America? and finally EVERY delegation is exempted from body searches, under international diplomatic rules.

Dr Baby Joseph | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan should unequivocally demand the US to investigate into the event and issue strict instructions to all Border Security and Airline officials that no member of a foreign military delegation on invited visit with proper credentials are not unduly harassed and kept incommunicado from their consular officials for more than 30 minutes, at the maximum. Or else, similar liaison meetings should not be agreed upon.

DBD | 14 years ago | Reply @ TANZEEL... Yeah no one should be above the law... whats the law btw? humiliating state guests?

Tanzeel | 14 years ago | Reply They are not above the law.

faraz | 14 years ago | Reply These generals should first stop selling Pakistanis to US if they are really concerned about honour.

Jami | 14 years ago | Reply I am and ex-military and it takes a lots of guts to join forces and face bullets knowing one has your name on it, be it any military. These officers have served a long time to become flag officers and must have faught and lead wars in Pakistan and I am pretty sure with all that service behind they could not be arrogant specially when they are representing country. Problem here is nothing but ignorance of staff because most of them are high school grads only and they are paid not to think or make decisions on their own, be it airline or security. I am not talking of white Americans, this is in general it could be a security officer from any other origin they simply cannot comprehend and distinguish between normal visitors and State Guests. Yes we Pakistani had set bad examples in the past but that does not justify such a treatment of all others in future. For people writing all this should know that all government official carry Blue Pakistani Passport not Green and that itself implies the owner of the passport is distiguish guest and when the ranks were confirmed by these flag officers, the airline and security staff should be thinking weather they are humiliating these guest or they are humiliating USA by putting the government in a situation, but as I said ILLITERACY made this thing blow up to heaven. I hope US government instruct and educate their staff to know the difference as how to treat dignitaries and common visitors.

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply Excellent!!! the Pak armed forces are bearing the brunt of the war in Afghanistan that was pushed by America onto our side. The NATO, ISAF and the American military are comparatively RELAXING, whereas our forces have gone head long into the fight, led with the front foot, suffered the most casualties and taken the fight into the the 'lair of the dragon'. This HUMILIATION is unacceptable and the delegation took the right decision. You will recall earlier this year one of our parliamentary delegations had also resisted being 'stripped' and preferred to come back. VIVA!!! Salams and peace to all on mama terra firma.

joachim Rana | 14 years ago | Reply wel done, it is right to protest for the dignity of pakistan. joachim rana

FK | 14 years ago | Reply @Boota Khan hahaha good one

rizwan | 14 years ago | Reply excellent - finally we are taking a stand. Hats off to the army for doing this. enough is enough.

Boota Khan | 14 years ago | Reply @ Emaan [With the huge amount of assistance we’re looking forward from U.S. and with millions of dollars we’re expecting uncle Sam will pour in our economy, do we have a choice to protest? I think not! Censure your officers and tell them to avoid being super-humans in U.S-bound flights. Their two-stars may worth a little back home, they’re certainly not in U.S.] Seems some Khaki stole your pride. Take it easy kid

shak Artani | 14 years ago | Reply you need respect or Money,?you better chose respect and return all the moneys to live with pride in this world, drink water, eat water and learn to sleep on water every one will respect you for God sake stop begging.'IS RIZQ SAY MAUT ACHI"

Dr Qaisar Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply @Mehboob. The same act could have also be done by politicians if they belong to any one institution. Politicians are always compromising and flexible -- that is why they are politicians. They have to seek loans to run country and allocate to the institution called the army. So the position of an army general and a politician is altogether different and incomparable. There are other points which cannot be mentioned here.

Mehboob | 14 years ago | Reply Thanks God the visitors belong to Pak army and took pride to cancel the trip. Had our politician been in the same situation they would have accepted all kind of humiliation and and bad name to pakistan. Well done Pak Army.

DBD | 14 years ago | Reply @Eeman. what the point?

Dr Qaisar Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply @Ali Farooqui. 'The delegation was requested to come there' but on the terms and conditions of the host. The delegation was not given liberty to behave and say what they used to do in their motherland called Pakistan. The delegation should have acted like state-guests. The guests were searched for before the dinner to sure they should not take new cutlery with them to dinner. The delegation felt the pain of insult being felt by Pakistanis in general for several years. In this way, all the Pakistanis visiting foreign lands as a delegation or individually are now one. That is the message of unity hidden there. I hope that the pain of insult will unite all the Pakistanis. You said 'an apology is just a bunch of word without any actions behind it and as such useless'. Do you think, to materialize the apology, airline staff and security personnel should be suspended and relieved from service? Kindly get your concepts corrected. The airport was not in Pakistan. Let us see if any such delegation visits the US again if the delegation is exempted from body searches at the US airport(s) or not.

Syed Nadir El-Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply Our generals from the most disciplined institution of the country should at the very least have maintained some sense of decorum while representing the country abroad. By making statements to the stewardess that "this will be your last mission" what image of Pakistan was created in a plane full of people? Having a 40 minute argument and stating repeatedly that they are generals, and admirals and not lowly captains and majors, what where they trying to show? They come off as a bunch of hot heads. Of course its profiling, and yes its illegal, and yes its happened before. I don’t think anyone disagrees with that. But the attitude that their rank somehow justifies privilege and allows you to say whatever you like is a disservice to the people of Pakistan who sanction the military to bear arms on their behalf. The most revealing part in this episode is that if this is how things happen in America, God knows how they behave with there subordinates in Pakistan. After all, you wont say PIA complaining when a general misbehaves on a plane, that too after receiving a cushy discount at the publics expense.

mak | 14 years ago | Reply Bravo. good call - this is the right thing to do. The immigration officers in the US, especially, are very discourteous and arrogant. A slap on their face and I am sure they will be taken to task by the pentagon. Another instance involving my cousin where he was waiting to get interviewed for a US visit visa at the US embassy in Islamabad. He told me that he overheard a Pakistani businessman (who also owned a property in the US) being interviewed by a US visa officer - the pakistani applicant apparently had all the documents in place but was rejected on the spot without any explanation. My cousin felt so humiliated that when his turn came he point blankly asked the visa officer as to what exactly is their criteria when judging visa applications and is it your 'fathers right' to refuse a visa without any reasonable explanation? the visa officer was surprised and did not have a convincing answer and my cousin politely asked the visa officer to give his passport back to him and told the officer "in that case I do not wish to visit or apply for a visa for the US". took his passport back and left without any hesitation. Incidentally, he is also an ex-army captain. While i applied for my visa exactly a year ago, in Islamabad, and they gave me a letter approving my visa but with a statement "administrative check required". Considering that I have studied and lived in the US for 6 years and have a clean record, I still haven't received my visa. I am not clear on what is taking them this long - inefficient system or bias. But I am sure if they would have gathered intelligence (admin check in my case) on Iraq for one year to find out whether Iraq had WMD - the Iraq war wouldn't have happened and the US wouldn't need to handover command of the war in a disgraceful manner like they did yesterday - defeated and loss of so many lives (of innocent iraqis and american soldiers who thought they were fighting for a just 'cause'). American and Iraqi people would have been safer if it was not for their 'flawed intelligence'! As for my visa - they can do all the check they want - i have dropped the idea of visiting the US anyway. I also wish NOT to visit even when my visa is stamped. No hard feeling towards the people (they are nice and simple and I have many friends back in the US) but their government is just appalling at best!

Ali Farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply For those saying the search and harsh behaviour was justified may you have not noticed the delegation was "requested" to come there, official state visit .. may be you are used to calling guests in your house and body searching them for your cutlery after dinner but most of us Pakistanis consider it plain insult. an apology is just a bunch of word without any actions behind it and as such useless

Ayaz Ahmed Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Withdrawing delegation a good step. We shouldn't accept such checks that damage our self- esteem, as an individual as well as a nation, at any cost and this should be communicated very clearly to the US government. We all want friendship but not at such cost. May Allah give our leaders the courage to have friendly relationship on equality basis in all respect.

Copper | 14 years ago | Reply I am glad this time it happened with army men. As mentioned earlier, its not first time. The whole lot of ministers of Shaukat Aziz cabinet went through humiliating checks on US airport but their loyalty to US didn't hurt. Lets see if Pak Army continue to lick boots of US Army men coming here or do equivalent checks on them!

Ahmer Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.This is not first time happening with Pakistani high officials on US airports and even it has been seen that US airports’ officials frisked Pakistani people in naked form and our Pakistani officials still think that Americans are our friends.Absolutely wrongful because Allah Almighty clearly defined in the Holy Quran 1400 years ago that non-muslims are the friends of non-muslims and only muslims are the friends of muslims.Even written in the doubtless Holy Quran we don't trust Holy Quran.American officials use a strategy for the muslims and muslim countries especially Asian muslim countries,id est,play it by ear,and we couldn't understand it till now.Although America is providing us a huge amount of money as aid but never think that America is our true friend.Considering the USA a true friend shall be the biggest committed mistake of our leadership.Our leaders must show reaction against this insult now and should threaten US officials clearly and openly that if it happens again in the future we will finish co-operation with US officials in the war of terror in Afghanistan especially and will withdraw our forces from Afghan border.We should live now with honour,grace and dignity any where in the world.We should learn the lesson from this US officials’ attitude.

Shawn Smith | 14 years ago | Reply Most of the Pakistani officials including the head of state Mr Zardari are corrupt in every aspect of life, The generals are involved in all kinds of illeagal activities, they are multi millionaires on meager wages..why in hell would they be demanding any respect from anyone. The first step towards respectability is self reliance, Pakistanis owe their existence to foreign charity, Their people are dying and their prominent officials are stealing from a nation of people in abject poverty..these Generals live in palaces where an ordinary person does not even have the most basic of necessities of life, these people who commit heineous crimes on people living in abject poverty do not deserve any respect...A corrupt person should be viewed and dealt with accordingly..If you want respect..be people you claim to be..you claim to have honor..but your actions sho otherwise

Babar Javed | 14 years ago | Reply Yes, the military has a spine

Humayun Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Many Pakistani students and businessmen are stuck in Pakistan and cant travel to the U.S. because security clearence was not granted by U.S Embassy in Islamabad. I know one student from Harvard who missed fall semester due to this clearences delay by the Embassy. Humayun Khan

Eeman | 14 years ago | Reply I don't hate Army. No reason to do that. But we certainly have higher self-esteem than rest of the world. That's a plain truth.

Sherjeel | 14 years ago | Reply well like a ali said..americans tend to show over-activeness everywhere. And we see how they realized there mistake and apologised

hakeem | 14 years ago | Reply Can anyone suggest how i shall protest for permanently blocking of passage to my home that is unfortunatly in neighbourhood of a Pak millitry garrisson and i have to take a distant deserted road that is insecure espacialy at night.

Yousaf Hyat | 14 years ago | Reply The USA has every right to frisk Pakistani delegation because they have to protect their own citizens at all cost ...As a friend we should understand a friends predicament.plus if our President can go and bow to the white house ..why not check the common man ....? why this blast of honour at this late juncture ..?

Citizen | 14 years ago | Reply How do we know that the officers did not say anything inappropriate such as a joke which might have been taken out of context? Instead of lambasting the Americans, know this, even five-star American generals are treated in the same manner as civilians and receive no special treatment. I guess these generals forgot they weren't in Pakistan anymore and that they won't receive any special treatment regardless of their status. Way to behave abroad folks!

Meekal Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply I believe one of the officials said something which was disturbing. That is something you don't do in this day and age. Don't be cute and/or clever and certainly no terrorist jokes. Just do as they say and answer their questions firmly but politely. At least that is my approach. With a name like Ahmed I am always pulled aside. I just smile. I know he is profiling me (which is illegal) but I don't say so. I don't challenge him. Invariably I will find a printed note inside my suitcase when I open it at my destination saying they opened my bags. Always have a TSA-approved lock (may not be easy to get in Pakistan) so that they can open your suitcase without having to break the lock. We are legend for throwing our weight around. It does not work here.

Dr Qaisar Rashid | 14 years ago | Reply Finally the higher ups of the military also felt the same pain of humiliation as is being experienced by a common Pakistani. Sharing pain can make us one -- otherwise there is no limit of arrogance. I remember when, in 2002-2003, several Pakistani students were stranded in Berlin and had taken refuge in mosques, the defence attache of Pakistan (a Brigadier) at the Pakistani embassy in Berlin was enjoying amicable relations with the German military. No one was paying heed to the requests of the students because none of the higher-ups at the embassy had gone to that experience of humiliation and deprivation. Against that background, the treatment extended to the military higher-ups will at least sensitize them to the cries of those Pakistanis who are considered not worthy to be heard even. The US airport staff has performed a balancing act and made the Pakistanis realize that they should stay one and that on their land 'humiliation is for all'. No one should consider oneself above that.

Farhan | 14 years ago | Reply Emman and Odin! stop whining, you just hate the Army.

peace lover | 14 years ago | Reply here we have a bunch of ill-informed, arrogant, bloated, ignorant idiots blaming Pakistan Armed Forces, one of the best in the whole world. first, get your facts right. it was a case of all prevailing paranoia, racism, bigotry, profiling, and islamophobia displayed by high-school drop-outs who get paid as the so-called TSA employees, among others. they know next to nothing except to spot and stop people of "color" with muslim-sounding names. here, a redneck overheard one the officers saying that he hoped it was their last flight - referring to multiple flight connections they underwent before getting to centcom in tampa, florida. this american fool, brimming with racism and paranoia, complained and the entire paranoid machinery went into action. in spite of the fact that the officers disclosed their identity and showed the centcom letter of invitation they were treated like criminals. they were not allowed to contact centcom neither the tsa buffoons had a iota of wisdom to check themselves with centcom. no, they'll go by the idiot's bible; hold these dignified people as hostages for hours; humiliate them; and display their fear right on their face. they are simply scared. in that they violate every single principle of human rights and dignity. perhaps even a loud fart may land you in gitmo. that's how brave they are. Pak Army made the right decision at the right time for the right cause. wake up america. you don't own the world. on the contrary, your horrendous debt has transferred the ownership to big players like china. just tell us how many people have you rightfully indicted after 9/11? this security slogan is a charade. continue mistreating brave and bold people of Pakistan and you'll never get close to their heart, you need them more than they need you.

Faizullah Jan | 14 years ago | Reply Mr. Adil, drones are very necessary. Ask the local people, they support drone attacks.

Miriam | 14 years ago | Reply Well done Pakistan!! Bravo Unless our political officials also start showing that we, Pakistanis, need to be treated with respect, ordinary Pakistani can never get it. They are the victims of such acts in routine without any "apologies". And Pakistan army is doing a lot to support our country, no matter whatever bad image Gen Musharraf created of the armed forces, we cannot shut our eyes to their efforts in helping the flood victims.

kashif | 14 years ago | Reply When u keep beging infront of the world this is inavitable to happen, now its the time to wake up that this is the real face of USA, supposedly our ALLY in the war against terror. and i do agree with shoiab that atleast some one has the courage to stand up and came back home....

kamran | 14 years ago | Reply well said J SYED.... you are absolutely right..

Eeman | 14 years ago | Reply Let's see how far will our self-esteemed officers take this apparent ill-dubbed, insult-inflicted, normal routine check and boycott all future U.S trips. If apology was issued, there was no point in coming back. Various high-profile figures have been subjected to harsh routine-checks, a very understandable attitude. Perhaps, while living an elite life, with number of salutes day and night, and useless protocol, these people often forget how it feels to be like a normal human.

Ali Farooqui | 14 years ago | Reply well apparently one general (tired of long flights) was heard saying "I hope this is my last flight", and since Americans tend to be over active, emotional, paranoid and with no sense of humour this enigmatic message was promptly passed on to air hostess who called security and questioned the delegation for over two hours

Shoeb Lodhi | 14 years ago | Reply Now you know USA...as to why the people of Pakistanis have the anti-American sentiments running high in them....in US. At least Pakistan Army did the right thing.

Echo Cave | 14 years ago | Reply The incident is just another example of the paranoia among Americans regardng Pakistanis and muslims. The senior military officers were tol that another passenger on the same flight as them was scared by something that one of them had said but they did not reveal what it was and then later the airline, security staff and US government all apologized for the incident. It shows that the US needs to DO MORE to quell unwarranted paranoia against Pakistanis and muslims among the majority of their nation. @Eeman: how have you assumed that military officials behaved like they are 'super human'? please read up on the incident before attacking them unduly. regardless of our opinion of the armed forces the fact is that senior ranking officers are extremely disciplined and it is highly unlikely that they would cause a scene when on an official trip.

Danish | 14 years ago | Reply Its an indication , that after the citizens its now the Millitary professionals turn and they have done so who knows ashfaq kiyani or anyone else could be next .... what will you do then ?

Syed Nadir El-Edroos | 14 years ago | Reply Right! So either the US or Pakistani taxpayers who were paying for the delegations tour just lost all there money, because a group of high ranking military types believe that Pakistan's honour is attached to how a air stewardess and airport security treat them. What was it that they said? This isnt a delegation of captains and majors, we are generals and brigadiers! wow what a way to throw you rank around, and telling people: this will be your last mission. If this is how they react in America, just imagine how they treat there minions in Pakistan. Then again, in Pakistan they think its there right to be treated as gods gift to humanity. Perhaps to make such hoopla when Paksitani citizens are detained in security and immigration? Of course, bloody civilians dont really count for anything.

Irshad | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistani army thinks they are special. The idiots told the flight attendant that "They hoped that this was their last flight". What else did they expect. Pakistani nationals are known as terrorists around the world and not for no reason and these dummies are talking like a suicide bomber. They needed to be sent back home. Also Pakistan Army needs to leave Kashmir alone along with Gilgit Baltistan. They will be kicked out from Kashmir & Gilgit Baltistan too very soon.

syma | 14 years ago | Reply @Odin well said

Armughan | 14 years ago | Reply It was an official visit and their is a protocol to be followed. These people were invited by US central command. Perhaps its time that airport security considers exactly how to treat official visitors as opposed to others.

KM | 14 years ago | Reply Well tell the US to visit Pakistan instead, rather having us cause expenditures and then misbehave. If there was an invitation, i am sure that the US authorities would have known the same as well, so they should have informed relevant authorities already about it. Thank Allah, for our military still has some pride in it, vis a vis Zardari who had gutted by the international media and even then he ensured the completion of his unwanted trip as per his plans.

Sherjeel | 14 years ago | Reply Oh people you dont have a slightest idea about Pakistan Army..they are the only one's which are keeping us from military agression from America and India. Ant the way they left should give you the idea that how much they care about American's money or "invitation"

Waqqas Iftikhar | 14 years ago | Reply As irritated and p*ssed off with the army as the next liberal (of which there are few and far between) but this was unwarranted. These guys were invited by Central Command (CentCom) the primary institution heading the War on Terror and were subjected to being off-loaded and searched because most likely some redneck American (and I am aware of my stereotyping and associated hypocrisy here)mistook Urdu for Arabic or some crazy reason like that. Since it was confirmed that they were CentCom guests, there was absolutely no need for this. I for once, am with our jarheads.

Khurram Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply Good done, If in place of Miltary men our politicians are there they may allowed their naked security checks because they have noting to and do like as slaves of USA.

Sherjeel | 14 years ago | Reply atleast there is somenone who has there self-respect intact..and not selling it for money or any other thin for that matter..proud of PAK ARMY

Vaqar | 14 years ago | Reply Eeman and Odin it hurts when you get slapped in the face, doesn't it?

Karim | 14 years ago | Reply Beggars daring to display self esteem !!!

J Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Eeman - stop bullying about the Pak Army, u dont even know what the heck you're talking about..these 2 star generals re the ones which america fear off from and pay often visits to meet these generals and requesting them to help them controlling the taliban's. As a result your SUPER POWER Uncle Sam regretted the incident and issued an official apology. Get a life and talk about some sense...u know nothing about all this....America is helping pakistan to gain their own trust and develop good working relationship with pakistan and trying to pay bak to pak for the betrayals they did in past. Odin - Do you even know how official visits are arranged? they were not kids to call of their visit and come back. Such checks re not necessary for Diplomats all around the world...i pitty on such people who start talking like this without knowing what they are talking about...get some info first and then utter out such statements..

A.S.Zara | 14 years ago | Reply At least there is one institution in Pakistan who has some honours. They are not mother sellers like our politicians. Bravo. ASZ

Tani | 14 years ago | Reply Maybe now these military officials know what its like to be treated as an ordinary citizen.

Atiq Rehman | 14 years ago | Reply Bravo! Thank God someone has some self respect. Security checks are fine, but not if excessively imposed on your guests

Odin | 14 years ago | Reply If these people can kick an elected government out of power whenever they want then why the Americans can not take them out of an aeroplane because of their security concerns. If you don't like their "unnecessary" security checks and want to be treated like kings, as you are treated in your fiefdom Pakistan, then don't go there.

Eeman | 14 years ago | Reply With the huge amount of assistance we're looking forward from U.S. and with millions of dollars we're expecting uncle Sam will pour in our economy, do we have a choice to protest? I think not! Censure your officers and tell them to avoid being super-humans in U.S-bound flights. Their two-stars may worth a little back home, they're certainly not in U.S.

A.G. | 14 years ago | Reply the expense that they've incurred? $20k atleast..

Eeman | 14 years ago | Reply They might have done something to be treated that way.

Peeonu | 14 years ago | Reply Proves that only the Military has the guts; they always retain their pride and honor. Americans should feel the sting in this slap

Adil | 14 years ago | Reply Finally some show of sovereignty! I wish the military repeats this attitude in the case of drones as well...

Yousaf | 14 years ago | Reply It is extreme disappointment - No Official Visits should be made for next 3 months. What value Pakistani carries abroad?

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