Muzaffarabd: The troubling practice of off-loading pilgrims from flights at Islamabad International Airport continues, raising concerns over procedural fairness and accountability. Despite holding valid return tickets, visas, hotel bookings, and all required travel documents, several citizens from Pakistan-administered Kashmir have reportedly been prevented from boarding flights for Umrah.
According to reports, Qazi Rehan Ahmed, a young resident of Shariyan, Jhelum Valley, Azad Kashmir, was barred from boarding his flight at the immigration counter without explanation, even after receiving a valid boarding pass. The incident has reportedly caused him a financial loss amounting to millions of Pakistani Rupees due to wasted ticket, visa, and hotel bookings.
Affected family members have protested vehemently, demanding immediate investigation, accountability, and compensation for the incurred losses. Citizens expressed outrage, noting that ordinary individuals invest their lifelong savings to fulfill their spiritual pilgrimage, only to face arbitrary restrictions at the last moment—a move seen as a violation of religious rights and personal dignity.
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This latest case comes just four days after another Kashmiri activist leader was similarly off-loaded, highlighting a disturbing pattern of targeting individuals from Azad Kashmir, irrespective of proper documentation.
Political observers and civil society members have questioned the legal grounds under which these passengers are being barred from travel, emphasizing that blocking pilgrims without due cause undermines public trust in regulatory authorities.
Calls for action have intensified, with demands that:
The government issue an immediate notice regarding unlawful off-loading practices.
Responsible officials be held accountable.
Affected individuals receive full financial restitution.
The continuing incidents underscore systemic issues in airport immigration and the urgent need for transparent procedures, particularly for citizens seeking to perform Umrah, a journey of deep religious significance.
