*BAGHDAD: **Pakistani pilgrims have been manhandled and mistreated atBaghdad Airport by Iraqi security staff.*
*Iraq’s security forces mistreated and manhandled Pakistani Zaireen whenthey protested against the Iraq Airways staff for not turning on a plane’sair-conditioning system.*
More than 120 Pakistani pilgrims were on board the Iraqi airline’s flightIA-409 which was scheduled for departure from Baghdad to Karachi.
After boarding the plane, fliers started complaining about non-functioningair conditioning system. They protested against the airline’s staff whenthe latter paid no heed to their complaints.
There were also heated exchanges between the cabin crew and passengers.
Subsequently, the Iraqi airline’s staff aided by the local policemanhandled some of the passengers and held them hostage.
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Speaking to ARY News, one of the fliers said some passengers exchangedheated words with the cabin crew after they didn’t turn on an airconditioner. The Iraqi police tortured more than three passengers, he added.
He said they were held hostage by the security forces and not allowed to gooutside the Baghdad airport.
Taking notice of the incident, Special Assistant to Prime Minister onOverseas Pakistanis and Human Development Zulfi Bukhari said he had talkedto Pakistan’s ambassador in Baghdad and efforts were underway to resolvethe issue.
The Pakistani Zaireen stranded at the Baghdad airport would soon fly backhome, he assured, adding the arrested passengers would also be brought backhome after their release.
