In this Post
Responsibilities of ASF
ASF Screening System
ASF Prohibited Item List
Complaint Management System
ASF Control Room
ASF Subsidiaries
ASF Jobs
ASF Academy
ASF Karachi Headquarter Address
In Pakistan, there are dozens of large and small airports located in different cities. They cater to hundreds of domestic and international flights, arriving and departing on a daily basis. Along with providing facilities to travelers and maintaining smooth flight operations, ensuring the security of passengers has always been a major concern for the authorities. So, to effectively tackle these security challenges, a special task force known as the Airports Security Force (ASF) was formed by the authorities a few decades ago.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the major roles and responsibilities of ASF Pakistan and learn about some of the key factors related to its selection criteria and recruitment process.
More About Airports Security Force
The Airports Security Force (ASF) is administered by the Secretary to the Government of Pakistan for Aviation. This federal institution is responsible for protecting the airports as well as all international and domestic flights in Pakistan.
ASF Pakistan is also an important wing of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). It provides protection to the civil aviation industry of the country against criminal interference. The Airports Security Force maintains law and order within the airport’s premises, prevent crimes, and train its manpower with advanced counter-terrorism tactics.
The formation of the Airports Security Force took place in 1976. It was established under the Airports Security Force Act LXXVII passed in 1975. It has been run by many agency executives since then, mostly belonging to the armed forces. The current Director-General of ASF Pakistan is Major General Zafar Ul Haq.
ASF Pakistan was formed in the wake of violence and terrorism incidents, chiefly targeting the global aviation industry in the era of the 60s. The Airports Security Force was initially handed over the security of only the seven major airports in the country.
As of now, this federal agency looks after the security of all the airports in the country. Now, let’s take a closer look at the legal responsibilities and authorities of ASF as per the law.
Authorities and Responsibilities of ASF Pakistan As Per 1975 ASF Act
Responsibilities or Function
- As per ASF’s official website, provision of security to airports, and other civil aviation installations against all potential criminal and terrorist threats.
- Security of all CAA equipment, aircrafts, passengers, cargo, and mail.
- Establishment of 24/7 and maintenance of a highly-responsive command and control centre at the airport
- To work in collaboration with the local police to maintain law and order within the airport limits.
Authorities of ASF Pakistan
- Search and arrest any person of interest in the airport’s premises.
- ASF’s personnel are authorised to investigate or detain any suspicious person, who may pose a direct or indirect threat to other passengers.
- The suspected person can then be handed over to the law enforcement authorities for the pursuance of any legal proceedings.
- Screening of luggage and prohibiting any dangerous item from getting on to the plane.
Here’s more about the screening system by ASF and the list of items you are prohibited to take on a plane.
ASF Screening System and Procedure
ASF Pakistan makes use of the latest security equipment to screen passengers and their luggage before boarding the plane. Here’s what you need to do when going through the security checkpoint at the airport.
- As you walk to the security checkpoint, keep your boarding pass ready.
- Carry a transparent re-sealable bag for your own convenience during the inspection.
- Remove all your liquid items including medicines and liquid/paste baby foods from your hand-carrying luggage for inspection.
- If you have metallic or small electronic items like keys or coins, leave it in your jacket or coat pocket, which will pass through the X-ray machine.
- Join the queue to pass through the X-ray machines.
- Remove large electrical items like laptops and tablets from your luggage. They will go separately into the X-ray machine.
- You may also be required to remove your shoes.
ASF Prohibited Items List
- All types of firearms
- All types of firearm toy replicas
- Slingshots and catapults
- Hazardous chemical gases and sprays
- Any type of large cutting tools like axes, chainsaws and large knifes
- Tools larger than 6 cm in length are also prohibited
- Detonator and explosives
- Construction equipment like drills and blowtorches
- Martial arts equipment
Note: Head over to this section of ASF’s official website for the complete list of items in this regard and screening system details.
ASF Complaint Management System
The ASF complaint management system is very effective. It has a dedicated section on the official website. Here’s how to lodge your complaint with ASF.
- For lodging a complaint through the ASF complaint management system, first of all, you need to visit www.asf-complaint.gov.pk.
- There you’ll have to fill up your form with your personal information including your CNIC/Smart Card number, flight, and airport information. Afterward, you have to write your complaint in the given field.
- You may get a response to your email address or phone number about your complaint resolution.
Quick Facts: Complaints lodged through this e-portal are directly resolved from the ASF head office
ASF Command and Control Centre
Along with an online complaint management system, the Airports Security Force also offers on-site complaint resolution and monitoring services. You may find the ASF control room at almost every airport in Pakistan.
- These control rooms work 24/7 and are directly linked with the ASF help desk available at the airport.
- You can lodge your complaint at the ASF help desk, which will directly be forward to the control room. This control room also monitors the security situation of the entire airport through the CCTV cameras.
ASF Subsidiaries
Taking public services beyond the provision of security, ASF Pakistan now has many subsidiaries, serving in different walks of life.
- ASF Foundation
- ASF Medical Centres
- Schools and Colleges
- ASF Security Private Limited
- ASF Land and Housing
- Security Training Wing
- ASF Community Centres
ASF Foundation
Founded in 2014, the purpose of ASF Foundation is to generate income to financially support the retired officials who served in ASF and their families.
ASF Medical Centres
Medical facilities at the airports, reserved for the serving and retired officials and their families.
ASF Schools and Colleges
Schools and colleges reserved for the children of the officials as well as those who are willing to joining the force.
ASF Land and Housing Schemes
ASF Land and Housing Schemes are intended to provide shelter to the serving and retired officials. However, in projects like ASF City, Karachi, the general public is also allowed to reside and make property investment.
Security Training Wing
It trains security personnel of its own and those belonging to the third-party security organisations. Facilities like ASF Academy are used for this purpose.
ASF Community Centres
They are constructed for the communal activities and get-togethers of the ASF’s officials and their families.
ASF Jobs: Quota, Announcement, Application and Selection Criteria
Now, let’s get to know more about the ASF job application process and the defined criteria for selection. So, here’s how to apply for ASF Pakistan.
Announcement and Quota for ASF Jobs
The quota for ASF jobs is set by the government. The announcement for key official posts in ASF like Assistant Director and Inspector is done in a certain way. So, if you want to apply for such posts, here’s what you need to know.
For Assistant Director and Inspector
- Vacancies are announced through Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC)
- Eligible candidates may have to appear in an aptitude test and multiple interviews.
- Upon FPSC recommendation, the authority issues appointment letters to the selected candidate.
Assistant Sub Inspector and Corporal
In this ASF job application process, the ASF head office announces the vacant posts.
- The applicants then appear in IQ, physical, and written tests are arranged at selected venues.
- In the next step, the Departmental Selection Committee comes up with a merit list.
- This list is as per the prescribed quota and qualified candidates get an appointment.
Note: Both male and female candidates can apply for the aforementioned jobs.
ASF Job Selection Criteria
Now, let’s learn more about ASF job selection criteria, post by post.
Assistant Director (BPS-17)
Minimum Qualification: Second Division or Minimum Grade C in Master’s Degree.
Physical Fitness: Minimum height for a male is 5’6” and for a female is 5’2”
Experience: Two years of post-qualification experience in Civil Forces/Armed Forces Departments.
Age Limit: 20-35 years
Inspector (BPS-16)
Minimum Qualification: Graduation
Physical Fitness: Minimum height for a male 5’6” and for a female 5’2”
Age Limit: 20-28 years
Assistant Sub Inspector (BPS-11)
Minimum Qualification: F.A, F.Sc, or any equivalent degree
Physical Fitness: Minimum height for a male 5’6” and for a female 5’2”
Age Limit: 18-25 years
Corporal (BPS-7)
Minimum Qualification: Matriculation
Physical Fitness: Minimum height for a male 5’6” and for a female 5’2”
Age Limit: 18-25 years
Note: As a job candidate, you may need to submit your physical fitness certificate issued by a certified medical practitioner.
ASF Academy
Located in the area of Faisal Cantonment, Karachi, ASF Academy is one of the most important facilities of the authority. Not only the candidates are trained here but also this place hosts many key events.
Different types of sports events including cricket, rugby, and football matches are also held at ASF Academy. Award Ceremonies and speech competitions are also a regular feature of the venue.
ASF Headquarter
The Airports Security Force (ASF) Pakistan is headquartered in Karachi. Here is the address along with the ASF Karachi headquarter contact number:
ASF Karachi Headquarter Address: B-280, Old Area, Near ASF School, Faisal Cantonment
ASF Karachi Headquarter Contact Number: 021-99242578
This brings us to the end of our overview of the Airports Security Force (ASF) Pakistan. Let us know if you have any questions or feedback by emailing us at blog@zameen.com.
Meanwhile, you may also be interested in taking a look at our detailed guides on Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, Islamabad International Airport, and Multan International Airport.
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