IHC directs citizen to appear before FIA review committee over offloading

ISLAMABAD, Sep 23 (APP): The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed citizen, who was offloaded at the airport, to appear before the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) review committee for resolution of the matter.

Justice Ayaz Shaukat issued the direction while hearing a petition filed by the citizen Nazeer Muhammad against his offloading.

Additional Director FIA Zunaira appeared before the court pursuant to its summons. Justice Shaukat questioned the FIA official about the reasons for offloading passengers and observed that the agency should properly inform the affected person of the grounds.

The judge remarked that applicants for visas were required to submit bank statements and other documents, adding that the embassy would have examined the relevant documents before issuing a visa. “Do not act as an embassy yourself,” the judge remarked.

The FIA Additional Director told the court that when a passenger was offloaded, an offloading number was provided, which also mentioned the reason for the action.

She said Nazir Muhammad was travelling on a business visa for Uzbekistan but had shown the FIA a work visa. The FIA official further said that if the petitioner appeared before the agency immediately, she would facilitate resolution of the matter.

The court directed the petitioner to appear before the FIA review committee and adjourned further hearing.