A PIA officer has been suspended after he was caught allegedly trying to help a passenger clear dozens of liquor bottles from Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport under the cover of protocol.
According to details, the incident took place two days ago when a passenger arriving on Etihad Airways flight EY 284 from Abu Dhabi was found carrying around 65 bottles of premium liquor.
Sources said PIA Passenger Service Officer Safdar Gondal, along with an associate, arrived to assist the passenger and allegedly tried to get him out through protocol. However, customs officials refused to clear the luggage and took the bottles into custody.
Following the intervention by customs, the passenger reportedly fled the scene, while the PIA officer and his companion also left the airport that day.
Customs later informed the PIA station manager about the incident, after which departmental action was initiated. The station manager also recorded the officer’s statement in connection with the matter.
Airport Security Force has also moved against the individuals involved. Their airport entry passes have been cancelled, and they have been removed from airport duty pending further proceedings.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan said the relevant officer has been suspended and legal as well as departmental action has been started. He added that if involvement is established, immediate action will be taken under the law.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the misuse of protocol at airports, especially in cases involving attempts to bypass customs checks.
📢 For the latest General & Pakistan news and analysis join ProPakistani's WhatsApp Group now!
Follow ProPakistani on Google News & scroll through your favourite content faster!
Shares
