Pakistani Security Guard Cuts Female Hajj Pilgrim’s Hair Before Departure

A female Hajj pilgrim’s hair was forcibly cut at Karachi airport by the ASF personnel.

The Ministry of Aviation has called for an investigation after an incident at Karachi Airport where Airport Security Force (ASF) staff cut a female pilgrim’s hair due to some suspicion on Saturday.

An order from Islamabad instructed the formation of a board of inquiry (BoI) to look into the case details, review the airport’s passenger screening procedures, and check the roles of different government bodies involved in this process.

The incident, reported on June 1, 2024, involved ASF officials stopping Ms. Seema Bano and her husband, Muhammad Shafi Ahmed, who were heading for Hajj on flight SV-701. Although the Anti-Narcotics Force cleared Ms. Bano, ASF staff remained suspicious and cut her hair.

“After scanning, she was cleared to board the flight,” the order mentioned. “So, it’s necessary to investigate this matter to find out the facts and assign responsibility.”

The aviation secretary set up a four-member board of inquiry and asked for a report within two working days. The BoI will determine whether ASF officials followed the proper protocols or overstepped their authority and will identify who is responsible if any wrongdoing is found.