People power prevails as irate Pakistani passengers offload Rehman Malik

A video shot by a passenger capturing the whole drama where irate passengers accused Malik for the delay went viral on the internet

Politicians have often been accused of misusing the power given to them to reap the benefits of VIP treatment. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Rehman Malik’s arrogance  received a rude shock from co-passengers, who were allegedly kept waiting for two and a half hours, aboard PIA's flight PK-370 when they barred him from boarding the flight.

Adding to his embarrassment, a video shot by a passenger captured the whole drama where irate passengers accused Malik and another politician Dr Ramesh Kumar Wakwan of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz, for the delay went viral on the internet today.


PIA passengers throw Rehman Malik off the flight. by aeronuaut

Passengers could be seen shouting at the former minister on his arrival.

“We have taken it for too long... 68 years... are we going to take it for another 68 years?", one passenger can be heard saying.

Another passenger shouted, "Malik sahab, You should go back. You should apologise to these passengers. You should be ashamed of yourself... 250 passengers have suffered because of you."

The flight was scheduled to depart from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport at 7 PM but it was reportedly delayed by two and a half hours.

Malik in his defense, tweeted the following:

 

I hv right to defend myself agst the allegation.PK370 /1900hr was delayed b/c tech reasons/was expected to leave at 2030. So no delay for me

— Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) September 16, 2014

He also added that it was the airline’s fault and not his as the delay was due to a technical reason.

am now leaving by pk 300 and now in the plane.50 minutes delay has been announced who shd be blamed for this delay.PIA or me?Obviously PIA

— Rehman Malik (@SenRehmanMalik) September 16, 2014

Anger against the former interior minister quickly poured on to the popular micro-blogging website, Twitter. The incident sparked a debate regarding the misuse of VIP treatment given to politicians leading to  blatant disregard for public.

With due respect Mr @SenRehmanMalik Please enlighten your status quo friends of the feelings you saw at the plane. #Pakistan Is Awake Now

— Mariam Mumtaz (@MariamMumtaz) September 16, 2014

PIA Incident is similar to the "street vendor in Tunisia incident". If not introspected and corrected, this could turn ugly.Power to People!

— Ali Kamran Chishti (@akchishti) September 16, 2014

The recent Rehman Malik incident has triggered debate all over about #VVIP culture. #Indians are questioning their politicians also.

— Mariam Mumtaz (@MariamMumtaz) September 16, 2014

Angry common man's reaction at PIA flight yesterday with Rehman Malik & Dr.Ramesh Kumar off-loading.This country is changing for the better.

— Ali Kamran Chishti (@akchishti) September 16, 2014