KARACHI: At least three Pakistani passengers were tortured and one arrested after they protested the failure of Iraqi Airways to provide them proper air conditioning facility on a Karachi-bound plane, said a passenger on Friday who also added that the issue was later resolved and the aircraft flew to its destination on Sunday.

“There was a heated exchange between passengers and the airline crew when air conditioning system malfunctioned before the take-off,” Shahid Badami, who was also on board, told Arab News.

“The passengers were accompanied by infants and children,” he added, “and it had almost become impossible for them to travel due to the lack of proper ventilation system. It also affected the health of several passengers.”

As the travelers protested, the security at the Baghdad Airport severely beat them up. A video of bleeding passengers was also shared on Twitter and other social media platforms.

The Iraqi Airways flies from Baghdad to Karachi every Sunday and goes back on Monday. Most of its passengers are pilgrims who want to visit sacred places in the Arab country.

According to media reports, at least three passengers were injured in the Sunday incident while one was taken into custody. The arrested passenger was later released and the injured were provided medical assistance upon action by the Pakistani ambassador.

The injured passengers were also paid compensation by the Iraqi government, claimed the reports.

Pakistan's foreign office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal told Arab News the issue was taken up with Iraqi authorities and had been resolved.

“The role of Pakistan's embassy in Iraq, especially that of our ambassador and military attaché, was very positive, as they promptly responded,” Badami said, adding he was happy that the issue was resolved amicably.

“We hope that passengers will not face similar situation in the future,” he added.

The Iraqi airlines also confirmed the incident in a statement, saying a group of passengers in its Karachi-bound plane disrupted the flight before take-off and the airlines was investigating the incident.