US sidesteps local authorities to conduct own security sweep of Lahore airport

Lahore, May 25(ANI): US security personnel are reportedly conducting a security sweep of Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport despite the presence of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the Airport Security Force (ASF).

The security checks have left several airport officials fuming, who claim the move "does not make any sense", and it "demeans" the local security personnel.

Meanwhile, a Pakistan International Airline (PIA) spokesperson said that the ongoing security check was a "routine matter", but denied that it had anything to do with PIA flight operations to the US.

"US Homeland Security personnel have been conducting such scans at our airports in the past as well... after every such check, the US personnel issue new security guidelines for local airport security officials, who meet those standards and invite them for another check," The Daily Times quoted the PIA spokesperson, as saying.

Interestingly, a CAA spokesperson denied that any such operation was being carried out. (ANI)