Pakistan
Inquiry Sought into Humiliating Treatment of Woman Pilgrim
The Ministry of Aviation has launched an inquiry into a shocking incident at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, where Airport Security Force (ASF) staff cut the hair of a woman pilgrim, Seema Bano, over suspicion.
The incident occurred on Saturday as Ms. Bano and her husband were preparing to depart for Haj.
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The Aviation Division has formed a four-member Board of Inquiry (BoI) to investigate the incident, which has sparked widespread outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of passengers and security protocols at the airport.
The BoI has been instructed to submit its report within two working days.
According to the order, the ASF staff stopped Ms. Bano and her husband during a search, despite the Anti-Narcotics Force clearing her.
The ASF staff then cut her hair, sparking allegations of humiliation and overstepping of authority.
The inquiry aims to ascertain whether the ASF officials followed established protocols or exceeded their authority.
If wrongdoing is found, the board will take responsibility and recommend appropriate action.
This incident has raised serious questions about the treatment of passengers, particularly women, at Pakistani airports and the need for stricter protocols and training for security personnel.
