I WAS invited to speak at a conference in Hong Kong from Aug 28 to 31. Due to the visa delays, I was issued an ‘on arrival visa’ and a scanned copy of the visa was sent to me, attested and marked by Cathay Pacific airline, which deals with Hong Kong visit visas. Unfortunately, Cathay Pacific does not operate in Pakistan and a ‘code sharing’ ticket is required with other airlines. The airline I was travelling to Colombo was SriLankan Airlines.

At the Jinnah International Airport, the SriLankan Airlines representative informed me that the FIA may not let me board the aircraft and I could check-in my baggage at my own risk.

I proceeded to speak to the FIA supervisor. After asking me about my job, residence, invitation documents, medical licence and practice location, he refused to let me board the airline because I was given an ‘OK to Board’ by Cathay Pacific and since it does not fly from Karachi. According to him, SriLankan Airlines should give me an ‘OK to Board’.

I proceeded to the SriLankan Airlines. I was informed again that they did not have the authority to give me an ‘OK to board’.

Meanwhile, the FIA job shift changed and I explained the situation to another supervisor who said everything is in order. This incident of harassment by my own countrymen and agencies makes me think twice about being an honourable citizen.

Dr Jahanzeb Effendi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2014