A major security breach occurred at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi when Abdul Samad, a detainee in Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) custody, escaped during a night shift. The incident, linked to a murder case, has led to the suspension of two FIA officials and an ongoing inquiry into the lapse.
Abdul Samad, wanted for a murder case in Khairpur, was detained after his name appeared on the FIA’s immigration watchlist. He attempted to board a Saudi Airlines flight SV-705 to Jeddah on August 12. Handcuffed and held at the airport, Samad escaped amid heavy passenger traffic, reportedly leaving the premises still in handcuffs. No other security agency intervened, highlighting a significant oversight.
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The FIA suspended a female sub-inspector, the shift in charge, and a head constable, ordering them to report to the zonal office. An inquiry has been launched to investigate negligence, with officials reviewing security protocols to prevent future breaches. The incident follows recent disruptions at Jinnah Airport due to heavy rainfall, which may have strained resources.
The escape comes amid heightened FIA activity, including the recent arrest of Hassan Raza in Faisalabad for a Rs36.2 million bank fraud and eight dacoity cases. Raza, along with accomplices Usman and Shahzad, allegedly withdrew $128,000 from a citizen’s account using fake accounts at Bank Gatt Wala Branch. The FIA’s focus on financial crimes and security underscores the urgency of addressing internal lapses.
