Pakistani actor Sabeena Farooq has criticised Iqrar ul Hassan following a viral video showing a confrontation between the latter and an immigration officer at Lahore airport.
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The incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows Hassan arguing with an official of the Federal Investigation Agency at an immigration counter. According to accounts shared online, the dispute began after the officer allegedly made a remark about Hassan to a colleague while he was in line.
Reacting to the video, Farooq questioned whether public servants should be expected to suppress personal opinions or stop performing their duties based on political affiliations. In a social media post, she described Hassan’s conduct during the altercation as “unacceptable” and criticised the tone used while addressing the official.
The footage shows Hassan raising his voice and demanding an apology from the officer, asserting that government employees should maintain neutrality while on duty. The officer, in response, is heard saying he was not addressing Hassan and requested that the situation not be escalated.
The exchange drew attention from other passengers at the airport, with some appearing to support Hassan while others, including fellow officials, attempted to calm the situation. The confrontation eventually ended without physical escalation, though it sparked widespread debate online.
In a subsequent statement, Hassan said the incident occurred upon his return from Malaysia with his family. He defended his actions, stating that individuals in official positions should avoid expressing political opinions while on duty. He also claimed that misinformation about the incident had circulated, prompting him to share his version of events.
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The episode has triggered broader discussion about public conduct, accountability, and the responsibilities of both public figures and government officials in professional settings.