Pakistan bans VIP protocol at airports
Islamabad, Aug 27: The Pakistan government has banned VIP protocol given by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to influential people at airports across the country, the media reported on Monday.
The decision came into force from Sunday as the Interior Ministry directed all officials concerned of the agency's immigration wing to implement it, reports Dawn news.
"We have decided to strictly implement the decision to provide equal opportunities to all travellers without any discrimination," Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told Dawn on Sunday.
"We have seen that influential people used to seek assistance of FIA officials at airports who (officials) accompanied them to promptly clear their luggage," the Minister said.
The VIP protocol was usually given to politicians, legislators, senior bureaucrats, judges, military officials and journalists. In case any FIA official is caught giving protocol to a VIP, he would face strict action, the Ministry warned.
Immigration counters at airports would be monitored and if any VIP was seen being given special treatment, the immigration staff and official in charge of their shift would be immediately suspended.
It was observed in the VIP lounge at Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Islamabad that the influential people would sit in a luxurious atmosphere while their luggage was being cleared by FIA officials, Airport Security Staff or Civil Aviation Authority.
However, there is no such lounge available at the new Islamabad airport established near Fatehjang where all passengers have to follow the normal procedure.
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Will impose 25 per cent tariff on all imports from Canada, Mexico: Trump
Washington (PTI): US President-elect Donald Trump has said that he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on every product coming from Canada and Mexico as one of his first actions after assuming office on January 20.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, he said the tariff would remain in place till the time borders with Mexico and Canada are closed to prevent illegal immigration into the US.
"As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before. Right now, a Caravan coming from Mexico, composed of thousands of people, seems to be unstoppable in its quest to come through our currently Open Border,” Trump said.
"On January 20th, as one of my many first Executive Orders, I will sign all necessary documents to charge Mexico and Canada a 25% Tariff on ALL products coming into the United States, and its ridiculous Open Borders.
"This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country! Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long simmering problem," he said.
"We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price," Trump said.
