ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) rebuked the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) over passenger offloading, directing officials to record the reason whenever they prevent a traveller from boarding a flight.
Justice Ayyaz Shaukat issued the direction while hearing a petition by Muhammad Saeed Khan, who challenged his removal from a Malaysia-bound flight. The court summoned the FIA additional director responsible for airport affairs to appear personally at the next hearing on Tuesday, September 8, with the relevant record.
The court also expressed displeasure after the FIA officer responsible for offloading the petitioner failed to appear despite an earlier direction. An FIA assistant director legal said the officer was absent because his father had suffered a cardiac problem.
Justice Shaukat ordered the officer to attend the next hearing and bring a medical certificate supporting the explanation for his absence.
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The judge also questioned an FIA officer after she told the court that an investment visa and a visit visa were the same. He noted that her oral explanation differed from information contained in the agency’s written report.
The court directed the FIA officials concerned, including the assistant director legal, to submit affidavits explaining their positions. It also ordered that the report already submitted to the court should not be altered.
The hearing was adjourned until Tuesday, when the additional director and other relevant FIA officials have been ordered to appear.
