Serious accusations have been made by a British-Pakistani tourist against a Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) agent for allegedly torturing him at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore.
After the British national, who had traveled from Dubai, filed an official complaint against ASI Bilal with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Monday, the accused officer was promptly disciplined.
The traveler allegedly went up to the immigration station, where ASI Bilal wanted an electronic visa. But the traveler asked to have his passport number used to confirm the visa because his phone battery died. The officer allegedly verbally abused them for making such a basic request.
As ASI Bilal reportedly used physical force to strike the passenger in the face and ear, causing a nosebleed and ear damage, the scene became more heated. The British citizen victim said, “I was punched in the face and ear by ASI, causing blood to flow from my ear.”
Both the FIA and the CAA have opened independent investigations on the complaint in order to gather information, determine if disciplinary action is necessary, and determine the facts. Sarfraz Virk, the Director of the FIA in Lahore, did not take long to suspend ASI Bilal from his duties till the investigation’s conclusion.
A representative for the CAA reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to guaranteeing every passenger’s safety and wellbeing at Pakistani airports. They promised to look into the claims carefully and take the appropriate steps to protect the credibility of airport security guards.
