ISLAMABAD, Nov 12: Justice Ali Nawaz Chowhan of the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi bench, ordered on Wednesday removal of the entire FIA immigration staff from the Islamabad Airport after it was brought to the court’s notice that the FIA staff was involved in harassing people carrying valid visa documents.

The court was informed through a writ petition filed by Inayatullah who stated that he was not allowed to board a plane by a FIA inspector despite the fact that he had a valid visa issued by the Japanese embassy. The petitioner said the FIA inspector expressed doubts over the authenticity of the visa.

On the direction of the court, the FIA referred the matter to the Japan embassy, which certified that the visa was genuine. The petitioner stated that even then he was not allowed to travel.

On Wednesday, when the case was taken up, Justice Ali Nawaz Chowhan ordered detention of the inspector concerned who was present in the court, and summoned the FIA director-general on a short notice.

When Additional Director-General FIA Sharif Virk appeared before the court, the bench ordered that all the existing staff of FIA Immigration posted at the Islamabad Airport should be immediately removed and new staff be posted there.

Justice Chowhan observed that if the complaints about the immigration cell were not removed, he would summon the interior secretary.

Justice Chowhan also observed that the high-ups of the FIA were sitting in their cozy offices and the inspectors and other lower staff had been allowed to play havoc with the citizens, which was earning a bad name for the country.

The FIA additional director-general apologised to the court and assured it that the system of checks and balance would be improved.

The court directed the additional DG to submit a report in the court within a fortnight, stating whether the staff had been removed or not.