The Country Manager of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Bahrain was arrested for mishandling passengers’ luggage.
PIA has characterized the incident as a misunderstanding and is actively addressing the situation.
Owais Hanif, the Country Manager, is accused of appropriating passengers’ luggage and transferring it from the airport to his office, violating Bahraini airport regulations, which strictly prohibit the unauthorized handling of passengers’ belongings.
In response to the arrest, PIA clarified that their procedure involves transferring left-behind luggage to their main office without a dedicated airport office in Bahrain. This practice meant to ensure that passengers receive their belongings, was misinterpreted by local security as embezzlement.
PIA has dismissed the allegations as a procedural misunderstanding rather than a criminal act. The airline has engaged the Pakistani Embassy in Bahrain to provide legal assistance to Hanif and is coordinating with its administration to manage the legal proceedings. PIA is committed to resolving the issue and ensuring compliance with all local regulations.
