RAWALPINDI: A joint inquiry committee, comprising Airport Security Force (ASF) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officers has been formed to investigate an incident involving officials of the two government agencies who got into heated arguments in the sensitive area of Islamabad International Airport.

A CAA spokesman said it was not a major issue; however, an inquiry committee was constituted to ascertain the facts.

According to sources, a four-member joint inquiry team headed by the deputy airport manager of CAA and the additional director of ASF was formed for the investigation.

the vigilance and fire brigade personnel of the authority were on duty at the ASF mobile post on the airport cargo side on Friday where the ASF quick response force personnel were deployed. A cabin had also been erected for the ASF personnel there.

CAA’s vigilance and fire brigade officials reached the spot and told the ASF personnel that there was a complaint that they were burning fire in the prohibited area, the sources said.

However, the ASF staff told them that the complaint was not true. When the CAA staff looked at the cabin, black smoke was found inside. They tried to walk inside the cabin, but the ASF commandos did not allow them entry, saying there were official weapons inside and taking pictures was not allowed there without permission.

Later, a scuffle broke out between them. On receiving information, other officials of the ASF and CAA reached the spot and controlled the situation.

On the complaint of the CAA staff, the ASF first asked for conducting an inquiry at the headquarters level. However, later a joint inquiry team, comprising two officers from each ASF and CAA, was formed which has started recording statements of the officials.

The airport police station was also informed about the matter; however, no written complaint was lodged with the police.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2024