KARACHI: A controversy has emerged at Jinnah International Airport after a Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader reportedly received immigration clearance for a Dubai-bound flight without appearing in the usual immigration camera footage, according to media reports.
The incident allegedly took place on Saturday evening during the clearance process for Emirates flight EK603 to Dubai.
According to sources cited in the reports, two Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) immigration constables cleared the leader on the instructions of their shift in-charge, an assistant director. The sources further claimed that a Sindh Police deputy superintendent of police had requested that the leader not appear before the immigration counter camera.
Subsequently, reports emerged that FIA Deputy Director Immigration Shehzad Akbar ordered action against the two constables. Some reports alleged that the personnel were handcuffed and moved from the departure area towards the arrivals counter.
However, Shehzad Akbar denied that any FIA personnel had been handcuffed, maintaining that the matter had been handled according to procedure.
Questions remain regarding the reported clearance process, the instructions allegedly issued to immigration staff and whether a formal inquiry or disciplinary action has been initiated against the officials concerned.
Further clarification from the relevant authorities is awaited.
