Why is a Pakistani Woman Suing the FIA Over a Flight Incident?
Synopsis
In a gripping case, a 58-year-old woman claims she was wrongfully offloaded from a Dhaka-bound flight by the FIA, sparking a legal battle rooted in her traumatic past of trafficking. Her story raises critical questions about human rights and agency accountability in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
Razia Bibi claims to have been trafficked to Pakistan.
She was offloaded from a flight by the FIA.
Her case raises questions about FIA practices .
Legal action has been initiated against the agency.
Human trafficking remains a critical issue.
Islamabad, Feb 12 (NationPress) A 58-year-old woman, who claims to have been born in Bangladesh and trafficked to Pakistan approximately 35 years ago, has lodged a petition with the Lahore High Court against the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for removing her from a flight heading to Dhaka, according to local media reports.
Razia Bibi initiated her plea through attorney Ali Changezi Sandhu, asking the court to impose a penalty on the FIA for allegedly offloading her without justification, as reported by Pakistan's prominent newspaper Dawn.
In her legal filing, Razia Bibi's lawyer asserted that she was abducted in Bangladesh and unlawfully transported to Pakistan, where she was sold in Karachi around 35 years ago. He noted that Razia was compelled to marry her 'purchaser' in Pakistan and later moved to Kasur.
According to the lawyer, Razia, now a Pakistani citizen, recently reconnected with her family in Bangladesh via social media, where her mother urged her to meet one final time.
On February 27, 2025, Razia was prevented from boarding a flight to Bangladesh by FIA officials at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, who did not provide any rationale for their actions.
The lawyer contended that numerous Pakistani individuals have fallen victim to the FIA's “illegitimate offloading” based on mere suspicion and assumptions concerning illegal travel and human trafficking, as reported by Dawn.
He claimed that offloading an elderly woman without justification signals the FIA's involvement in unlawful practices and requested the court to mandate the agency to reimburse Razia for her airline ticket and visa expenses.
Point of View
The National Editor-in-Chief emphasizes that it is crucial to address issues of human trafficking and the responsibilities of agencies like the FIA. The plight of victims must not be overlooked, and accountability is essential for justice.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Razia Bibi?
Razia Bibi was removed from a Dhaka-bound flight by FIA officials, leading her to file a petition against them for unlawful offloading.
Why was Razia Bibi removed from the flight?
The FIA did not provide a reason for her offloading, which has raised questions about their practices.
What is Razia Bibi's background?
She claims to have been trafficked from Bangladesh to Pakistan approximately 35 years ago.
What legal action is Razia taking?
She has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking compensation from the FIA.
What does this case signify?
It highlights ongoing issues of human trafficking and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
