Harassment at ZIA
This is in response to the letter dated 3rd January, 2008 by S. A. Mansoor.
I do have deep regard for Mr. S.A. Mansoor and I do read his letters/articles to gain knowledge and understanding. But with due respect, I would like to differ with his writing this time on the above subject.
I have had bitter experience at Zia International Airport. I had to watch silently and helplessly many a deliberate and painful harassment of our simple, mostly semi literate passengers in the hands of this security staff at this airport.
Carrying coconuts in checked-in baggage is perfectly legal. I being a British citizen and an occasional traveller have been importing those to the U.K without any hassle at Heathrow. Those are categorized as fruits. But the security staff at ZIA out of their own motivation and personal gain often try to step into the shoes of others, instead of concentrating on security aspects of the flights. Frozen well-packed fish in small quantity as well as cooked ones are allowed inside the carry on baggage or otherwise, as per the DEFRA bulletin in U.K. but not the meat, diary products. They should look into each and everything from the security point of view and nothing else as is the practice everywhere. As regards food items or any other item, that may or may not be allowed inside the cabin, these should be referred to the airline concerned if they are outside the published list and is of no security hazard. Secondly, once the items are cleared at the entry gate, they should usually be allowed at the boarding gate and objections if any must be raised at the entry point. But security staff deliberately cause problems and raise objections at the boarding point when a passenger is left with no option. In our country rules are frequently bent by the holders of authority out of their ulterior motive. This is the tragedy. Many unhappy incidents take place at the airport which are uncalled-for.
Passengers and their rights ought to be given due respect.
So the authorities should think of those common passengers, who earn valuable forex for the country, exempt them from unnecessary hassle and make them feel at home during their journey.
Who cares for the harassment and exploitation of poor wage earners?
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