Action ordered against PIA, ASF staff for misbehaving with lawmakers

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Rules of Procedure and Privile­ges Committee on Friday directed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Airport Security Force (ASF) to initiate disciplinary action against staff members accused of misbehaving with senators, saying such conduct damages the credibility of government’s institutions.

Chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, the meeting at Parliament House took up three privilege motions related to alleged misconduct by PIA cabin crew and ASF personnel.

The committee considered a privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan Mandokhail regarding alleged misbehaviour by a PIA cabin crew member on flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7, 2026.

The matter had earlier come before the committee, which recommended that the official concerned contact the senator and apologise.

Senator Mandokhail informed the panel that no PIA official had reached him, and demanded disciplinary action, including dismissal. Expressing concern over the staff’s conduct, Chairman Mehdi cited a recent social media report about alleged cigarette smuggling at Multan Airport. “If true, this is very unfortunate,” he said, adding that such behaviour by PIA staff and officials “tarnishes PIA’s reputation”.

The committee recommended that PIA initiate departmental disciplinary action against the cabin crew member in accordance with the law, and disposed of the privilege motion.

The panel also took up a privilege motion by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri regarding alleged misbehaviour by ASF officials during check-in for Emirates flight EK-601 on July 24, 2026.

Senator Zehri told the committee that during travel to London, an ASF official searched her hand-carry bag and questioned her about the cash she was carrying.

She said she offered to go to a side office to count foreign currency as per procedure, but the official instead opened her bag at the desk where three other bags were already open for inspection.

“I asked that my bag be taken to the side room, but the duty officer behaved inappropriately and did not listen,” she said.

“If a parliamentarian can be treated like this, one can only imagine how ordinary citizens are treated.”

A senior ASF officer expressed regret and apologised, assuring the committee the matter would be taken up with the relevant authorities and Pakistan Customs.

The committee recommended that ASF personnel be given pro­per training in dealing with the public. Senator Mehdi direc­ted that lower-ranking ASF staff be trained in better public conduct. The committee further directed that an inquiry be completed within 15 days and that the officer found responsible be produced before the next meeting.

Published in Dawn, September 12th, 2026