CJP takes notice of minister's brawl with PIA officials at Islamabad airport

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday took notice of Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Fida Khan’s brawl with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) officials at the New Islamabad Airport.

He directed the minister and relevant official of the airport to appear at the apex court’s Lahore registry tomorrow (Saturday).

A day earlier, Gilgit Baltistan ministers including Tourism Minister Fida Khan and Law Minister Advocate Aurangzeb set fire to their coats at the airport and entered into a spat with PIA officials after a Gilgit-bound flight was cancelled due to bad weather.

Mr Khan abused and brawled with officers who tried to amicably resolve the matter through talks.

Other passengers also staged protest at the airport lounge but dispersed after successful talks with CAA officials.

A  PIA official said the flight was initially cancelled due to a technical fault which was removed but it couldn’t depart later owing to bad weather.

Speaking to ARY News, the minister parked the blame of the episode at the PIA officials’ door, saying this all happened due to their “behavior, lies and fraud.”

When confronted with questions why did he go physical, he said: “We are not fool, illiterate, or irresponsible people, but ministers. A flight for Gilgit had already departed while the second was cancelled. How come the second flight couldn’t take off owing to bad weather when the first one was already in the air.”