Pakistani social media star Jannat Mirza has voiced strong displeasure over what she described as rude and intimidating behaviour by airport officials during her journey from Lahore, urging the relevant authorities to take notice of how passengers are treated.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, the content creator shared her experience while travelling from Lahore for the Asian Games, saying she had been genuinely excited about the trip until she arrived at the airport.
Jannat specifically referred to the behaviour of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) officials, alleging that some passengers were subjected to unnecessary rudeness, aggression and disrespect during security checks.
“I was travelling from Lahore today for the Asian Games and was genuinely so excited for this trip. But the moment I entered the airport, I witnessed the way ANF officials were treating passengers with unnecessary rudeness, aggression and absolutely no respect,” she wrote.
While acknowledging the importance of airport security procedures, Jannat questioned what she described as excessive behaviour during luggage inspections.
“You have proper security machines where passengers’ luggage is screened, and yet after that, you have someone standing there acting like they are above everyone, ordering you around and insisting that every single thing in your luggage be opened not because there is necessarily an issue, but simply to assert their authority,” she stated.
The actress and content creator emphasized that she understands the need for thorough security checks but drew a clear line between carrying out official duties and allegedly intimidating passengers.
“Security checks are understandable. Doing your job is understandable. But intimidating, pushing or disrespecting passengers is NOT!” Jannat stressed.
Drawing from her international travel experiences, she said she had never personally witnessed passengers being treated in a similar manner at airports abroad.
“I travel internationally all the time, and I have never seen passengers treated like this at airports around the world,” she claimed.
Jannat also raised concerns about the impact such interactions could have on Pakistan’s image, particularly when international visitors witness them.
“This is not just about one passenger. Foreigners witness this behaviour too. What impression are they supposed to take away from Pakistan?” she questioned.
Calling for greater accountability, Jannat argued that official authority should not be used as a reason to disrespect ordinary passengers.
“Authority does not give anyone the right to disrespect people. The relevant authorities seriously need to look into this behaviour and take action,” she added.
Despite her criticism, Jannat clarified that her comments were not directed at Pakistan’s forces as a whole. She said she has immense respect for the country’s forces and appreciates the work they perform.
However, she called for accountability for officers whom she believes misuse their authority or treat passengers disrespectfully.
“I have immense respect for all Pakistani forces and genuinely appreciate the work they do. But officers who misuse their authority and behave as if they are above everyone else should be held accountable, and strict action should be taken against such behaviour,” she concluded.
Jannat’s remarks have drawn attention online, particularly as she raised broader questions about passenger treatment, official conduct and the impression Pakistan’s airport experience can leave on international travellers.