Two Chinese nationals among five arrested

ISLAMABAD: Five men including two Chinese nationals were arrested and a drone camera which they were allegedly using to make videos of the newly constructed Islamabad International Airport was shot down on Wednesday, sources within the Airport Security Force (ASF) said.

The sources further said the arrested men were workers of a Chinese company involved in construction of the airport and were making the drone footage without permission. The drone destroyed as a result of firing was also taken into custody by ASF officials.

Following a number of controversies and delays the new airport built on the outskirts of federal capital is now set to begin flight operations from May 3. The first test flight landed at the airport earlier this month.

In its initial phase the airport will be capable of handling nine million passengers and 50 000 tonnes of cargo every year. After its expansion it would be able to serve up to 25m passengers a year by 2025 authorities say. This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources such as concerned qualified authorities and our staff reporters.