THE Lahore airport, once considered one of the best in Pakistan, has now become a hub of corruption and unethical practices. The airport administration is apparently involved behind the scenes, and operators use all kinds of tactics to extort money from the passengers. Despite repeated complaints from travellers, the government has turned a blind eye to the situation, allowing the corruption to continue and thrive.

Various operators at the airport have become notorious for their greedy and unethical behaviour. From overcharging for luggage to demanding bribes for providing basic services, they have been exploiting the passengers for years. This has not only led to an increase in the cost of travel for the passengers, but has also created a negative image of the airport and the country as a whole.

The passengers, especially overseas Pakistanis, have become the primary targets of unscrupulous elements at the airport. They are often charged exorbitant fees for services that are supposed to be free, such as using the airport lounge or accessing Wi-Fi. In some cases, they are even forced to pay for basic amenities, such as water and air-conditioning. This kind of behaviour is not only unethical, but also goes against the basic human rights of travellers.

Moreover, the operators at the airport have also been involved in other illegal activities, including smuggling and human trafficking. They have used their positions of power to engage in such activities, further tarnishing the reputation of the airport and the country.

Despite repeated complaints and calls for action, the government has failed to take any significant step to curb the prevailing corruption at the airport. This lack of action has only encouraged these elements to continue with their illegal and unethical practices.

The government needs to take immediate action to address the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice. The airport should once again be a place where travellers can feel safe and secure, free from exploitation and corruption.

Manzar Chaudhry
Aachen, Germany

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2023