Key Takeaways
- The Senate Rules of Procedure and Privileges Committee directed PIA and ASF to take disciplinary action.
- Incidents involved PIA cabin crew and ASF personnel accused of misbehaving with senators.
- Committee recommended proper training for ASF personnel and directed inquiry completion within 15 days.
The Senate Rules of Procedure and Privileges Committee has directed Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and the Airport Security Force (ASF) to take disciplinary action against staff members accused of misbehaving with senators. The committee, chaired by Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi, discussed three privilege motions related to alleged misconduct by PIA cabin crew and ASF personnel.
Senator Bilal Ahmed Khan Mandokhail raised a motion over alleged misbehaviour by a PIA cabin crew member on flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7, 2026. The senator stated that no PIA official had contacted him despite an earlier recommendation that the official apologise.
The committee recommended departmental action against the crew member and disposed of the motion. It also examined 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. She alleged that an ASF official searched her hand-carry bag and behaved inappropriately during inspection.
A senior ASF officer apologised and assured the committee that the matter would be taken up with the relevant authorities and Pakistan Customs. The committee recommended proper training for ASF personnel in public dealing and directed that the inquiry be completed within 15 days.
The committee also asked that the officer responsible be produced before the next meeting. This move underscores the seriousness with which the Senate views such incidents and the need for improved conduct among airport staff when dealing with senators.
The actions taken by the Senate highlight the commitment to maintaining decorum and professionalism in interactions between airport staff and high-ranking officials. The recommendations for training and inquiry completion reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue.
The committee's decision to take action against the staff involved sends a strong message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. It also serves as a reminder to all airport personnel of the importance of adhering to professional standards and protocols.
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