Military

Pakistan army cancels trip to the US over security checks

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Sept 2, IRNA -- Pakistan army said Wednesday it has cancelled an official trip to USA after US authorities humiliated members of the delegation.

The US security officials detained a brigadier at Washington’s Dulles Airport on a complaint by a passenger who said he did not feel safe sharing the flight with the delegation, reports said.

“A Pakistani military delegation on a visit to US (on US invitation to attend a meeting at CENTCOM) was subjected to unwarranted security checks at Washington airport by US Transport Security Agency,” the army said.

“Later, the delegation was cleared and US defense officials regretted the incident,” an army statement said.

However, as a result of these checks, Military authorities in Pakistan decided to cancel the visit and call the delegation back, it said.

Dawn newspaper reported that the Pakistani brigadier was removed from the United Airlines flight, and others in this eight-member delegation were also detained after they disembarked.

The delegation included senior officials from all three services, the army, the navy and the air force.

A Pakistani official, when asked to comment on the airline’s claim, said: “This is a delegation of senior officials, led by a two-star officer, not unit captains and majors. Such responsible officers do not indulge in such behavior.”