A Senate committee ordered the Ministry of Defense to conduct an independent third-party inquiry into alleged misconduct by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) cabin crew toward Senator Bilal Ahmad Khan Mandokhail.
The directive stems from a privilege motion moved by the senator on February 12, 2026, following an incident on PIA flight PK-326 from Quetta to Islamabad on February 7. The case involves a cabin crew member, Ms. Saima Rana.
During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges, chaired by Senator Waqar Mehdi, lawmakers expressed strong concern over PIA’s handling of the matter.
The committee noted that its earlier recommendation on February 17 to ground both the cabin crew member and the pilot was not implemented.
Senator Mandokhail criticized the airline’s non-compliance, stating that the crew continued their duties despite clear instructions. Lawmakers also accused PIA officials of ignoring the committee’s directives and relying solely on an internal inquiry without consulting the senator.
The senator said he was given no apology despite multiple opportunities extended to the staff member. He added that he paid a substantial fare for the journey but instead faced humiliation.
He also questioned why the aircraft door was closed, passengers were prevented from disembarking, and Airport Security Force (ASF) personnel were called, stating that no crime or illegality had occurred to justify such actions.
“If such treatment can be given to a senator, the situation for an ordinary passenger would be even more concerning,” he said, warning that a common citizen might have been detained in similar circumstances.
While the senator initially called for the termination of both the crew member and the pilot, the committee decided to proceed with an independent inquiry by the Ministry of Defense.