A flight of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), PK-792, which was subjected to a stiff security clearance by the United Kingdom (UK) border force at Birmingham airport, finally arrived at Islamabad airport after a delay of 1 hour and 25 minutes. According to sources, UK border force had surprisingly stopped PIA flight PK-792 for security clearance, which was scheduled to fly to Islamabad at 17.25 hours from Birmingham airport.

Subsequently, around 25 immigration officers came in the flight and started examining travel documents of passengers. The inspection of travel documents continued for three hours, sources claimed. When contacted, Muhammad Hanif Rana, General Manager Public Relations, PIA confirmed the said incident, saying that the UK immigration staff had inspected the travel documents of all passengers, coming from Birmingham to Islamabad via PIA flight PK-792.

Although he was unable to inform about the exact time consumed during this inspection, he said that 291 passengers including 280 travellers from economy class were onboard and all passengers were inspected by the UK border force that caused 85-minute delay in its arrival.

Rana further said that the UK authorities had later sent an email to the PIA, informing the management of national flag carrier that they did not find anything suspicion during the inspection and PIA crew remained co-operative during the whole exercise. He further said that PIA management after this unnecessary inspection was contemplating to request ministry of interior to look into the matter and take up the issue with the UK authorities to avert such happenings in future.

SOURCE: RECORDER REPORT