Islamabad airport DFOs accused of harassment, bribery by female workers

ISLAMABAD: Six female workers, who provide cleaning service at the Islamabad airport, have accused three Duty Facilitation Officers (DFOs) of harassment and bribery.

Credible sources told HUM News English that the victim women have formally lodged a complaint with the Director General of Pakistan Airports Authority regarding the incident.

The victims, whose identity is withheld for privacy, have alleged that the three DFOs were not only harassed them but also demanded bribe.

According to the sources, the women initially informed the airport’s vigilance department about the DFOs’ alleged bribery.

They alleged that the DFOs demanded a portion of the tips they received from clients. According to the victims, the officers would summon them to private rooms, where they were harassed and asked for bribes. Those who refused faced threats of dismissal, as the women were employed on a contract basis.

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Airport officials confirmed to HUM News English that complaints regarding harassment and bribery had been received.

They said that investigations into the bribery allegations were conducted, and the three accused DFOs were reassigned duties outside the airport terminal.

The harassment allegations surfaced later and are currently under investigation, the sources said.

Pakistan Airports Authority spokesperson Saifullah Khan also confirmed to HUM News English that the headquarters had received complaints about both harassment and bribery and an inquiry has been launched.

He said that the authority has strict policies in place to address such issues and follows a zero-tolerance approach.

He said that committees have already been in place at airports to handle both harassment and bribery cases.

The spokesperson said that a decision will be made based on the findings of the inquiry.

“If the allegations are proven true, stringent departmental and legal action will be taken against the officials,” he said.