Report: Ahmed shamas-ur-Rehman ANI
ISLAMABAD, September 11: The Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi of the PPPP, has directed the relevant authorities to take action against ASF and PIA personnel over alleged mistreatment of senators at airports and on board flights.
The meeting was attended by Senators Sadia Abbasi, Dost Ali Jessar, Jan Muhammad, Faisal Saleem-ur-Rehman, Bilal Ahmed Mandokhail and Samina Mumtaz Zehri.
The committee deliberated on a privilege motion moved by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri regarding alleged misconduct by ASF personnel at Karachi airport. ASF officials apologized to the senator, but she declined to accept the apology, saying she had been misled regarding the transfer of the official involved.
The committee directed the ASF to conduct an inquiry against Inspector Shafqat and ordered that the concerned inspector be presented before the committee at its next meeting. ASF officials assured the committee that action would be taken against the official.
Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri also called for a mechanism to conduct psychological evaluations of ASF staff, stressing that passengers should not be subjected to conduct that discourages people from travelling to or returning to Pakistan.
The committee also discussed a privilege motion moved by Senator Bilal Ahmed Mandokhail regarding alleged mistreatment by PIA cabin crew. Senator Mandokhail demanded dismissal of the staff member involved, while Senator Sadia Abbasi opposed further action, pointing out that the female cabin crew member had already apologized.
The committee recommended that disciplinary action be taken against the concerned PIA cabin crew member in accordance with the rules and suggested that the PIA administration issue a formal written apology to Senator Mandokhail.
Chairman Senator Waqar Mehdi said the institutions themselves were not necessarily flawed, but that the conduct and incompetence of certain individuals damaged their reputation. He emphasized the importance of checks and balances and respect for the dignity of every passenger.
The committee also deferred other agenda items due to the absence of the movers. Secretary Parliamentary Affairs, Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary Legislation attended the meeting.
