Pak pilot booked under Anti-Terrorism Act after flying plane in drunk state

Lahore: Pakistan police on Sunday registered a case under Anti-Terrorism Act against a pilot who was arrested for allegedly flying an aircraft with 121 passengers on-board under the influence of liquor and causing minor injuries to seven people during the plane's landing at Lahore airport.

The Punjab police registered the case including sections of Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against Asmat Mahmood in Sarwar Road Police Station near Lahore airport.

"The ATA sections 6 and 7 have been included in the FIA against Pilot Asmat Mahmood for putting the lives of the passengers in danger. The ATA section applies if someone puts the life of someone in danger," Lahore police spokesman Niyab Haider told PTI.

Mahmood was arrested after Shaheen Airlines flight NL-142 skidded off the runway and its tyres burst as it landed at the airport on November 3, injuring seven passengers.

The aircraft of the Pakistani private airlines carrying 121 passengers including seven crew members was coming from Karachi.

"Pilot Asmat Mahmood of NL-142 has been arrested after the inquiry committee found him flying the plane under the influence of liquor," said Pervez George, spokesman Civil Aviation Authority.

"The medical investigation reports of cockpit crew of Shaheen Air?International flight NL-142 just after the incident revealed that the pilot in?command had unacceptable level of blood alcohol and lactate. The lactate?indicates that the pilot was fatigued and had been drinking alcohol," George said.

The level of blood alcohol was 83 mg per deciliter, more than double of the permissible?amount. It lead the pilot towards errors of judgment, he said.

The pilot has been arrested from Karachi and brought back to Lahore as the case is registered in Lahore, a police spokesman said.