The Ministry of Aviation has ordered an inquiry into an incident involving the Airport Security Force (ASF) staff cutting the hair of a woman pilgrim at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Saturday.
An order issued from Islamabad has formed a board of inquiry (BoI) to investigate the matter, examining the established procedures and protocols for passenger screening and scanning at the airport. The BoI will also scrutinize the responsibilities of government entities involved in these processes.
The incident occurred on June 1, 2024, when ASF officials stopped a family at the international departures section of Karachi airport. The family, consisting of Ms. Seema Bano and her husband, Muhammad Shafi Ahmed, were traveling for Haj via flight SV-701. Although the Anti-Narcotics Force had cleared Ms. Bano, ASF staff raised suspicions and proceeded to cut her hair. Following the search, she was cleared to board the flight.
The aviation division’s order emphasized the necessity of investigating this matter to ascertain the facts and determine if ASF officials adhered to established protocols or exceeded their authority. The board has been instructed to finalize its report within two working days.
The four-member board of inquiry is tasked with determining whether the ASF’s actions were in line with established protocols or if they overstepped their boundaries. The inquiry aims to fix responsibility if any transgressions are found.
This incident has prompted calls for a thorough review of passenger screening procedures to prevent such occurrences in the future and ensure the protection of passenger rights at airports.
