A disturbing incident has come to light regarding the alleged assault of a British-Pakistani citizen by an official of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) at Lahore Airport.
FIA Lahore Director Sarfraz Virk took notice of the incident and suspended the official concerned.
The passenger, identified as Malik Bilal travelling from Dubai, filed a written complaint with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) detailing the alleged assault he endured at the hands of an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) named Bilal, stationed at the immigration counter.
According to the complaint, ASI Bilal demanded an e-visa from Malik Bilal, who explained that his mobile phone battery was depleted, making it impossible to display the e-visa. He pleaded to the ASI to check the visa based on the passport number, which led to an escalation of tensions and a verbal altercation.
The complainant alleged that ASI Bilal punched him on the face and ear, which led to bleeding from his ear. He sought action against the ASI following a thorough investigation into the incident.
In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation Authority initiated an inquiry into the matter. The CAA spokesperson reiterated that appropriate action will be taken against the official if the assault allegations are substantiated.
Later, ASI Bilal of the immigration counter was suspended after an inquiry team headed by Deputy Director Sarfraz Virk was formed. The ASI was also asked for a written response to the incident, Virk said.
