Model and actress Abeer Rizvi defends jailed businessman Salman Iftikhar after mid-air meltdown

As passengers settled into their seats on a Virgin Atlantic flight from London to Lahore, few could have predicted that chaos would fill the first-class cabin. In a shocking outburst on February 7, 2023, Salman Iftikhar, founder of the UK-based recruitment firm Staffing Match, unleashed a tirade against flight attendants, threatening the safety of crew and passengers alike. Iftikhar’s actions sparked outrage and disbelief, culminating in a 15-month prison sentence for making two grave threats: to rape and to kill a member of the flight crew.

Who is Abeer Rizvi?

Abeer Rizvi, a glamorous model and actress, has a robust online presence, with over half a million followers captivating audiences on Instagram and TikTok. The 5′ 10″ beauty, hailed as a supermodel after winning the 2012 Veet Miss Super Model competition, has made her mark in Pakistani cinema with two films: Raasta (2017) and J.I.T (2024). Rizvi has also established herself in the fashion industry, boasting a portfolio that showcases chic looks and a bold personality.

Rizvi Defends Husband’s Actions

Only days after Iftikhar’s sentence, Rizvi took to social media, appealing for empathy. “Mental health is not a joke. Behind every story, there’s pain you don’t see,” she wrote on her Instagram Story, prompting both support and criticism. “Before judging, try understanding,” she implored, adding, “Be kind. Be human.” This public defense, however, raises questions about public perception and the complexities surrounding mental health in high-stakes scenarios.

A Broader Perspective on Mental Health

Dr. Hassan Varma, a clinical psychologist based in Karachi, suggests that the stigma surrounding mental health can lead to dangerous outcomes when left unaddressed. “In cases of public meltdowns, there is often a lot happening beneath the surface,” Varma notes. “Understanding and addressing mental health comprehensively could potentially prevent such outbursts.” He cites a recent study from the International Journal of Mental Health, which found that nearly 60% of cases involving violent behavior are tied to untreated psychological issues.

A Mid-Flight Tirade

During that fateful flight, Iftikhar was traveling with his second wife, Erum Salman, and their children when he became visibly intoxicated. Reports indicate he consumed champagne while his children were present. Eyewitness accounts describe how he overstepped personal boundaries by grabbing ice with his bare hands from the crew’s service area. Tensions escalated when cabin crew, attempting to regain control, asked Iftikhar to return to his seat.

In a fury, Iftikhar lashed out not only at the flight attendants but also threatened flight attendant Angie Walsh and openly hurled racial slurs, stating, “Don’t tell me what to do, you racist f—king bitch.” This escalation led to a fear-inducing environment that left Walsh and others traumatized.

From The Sky To The Courtroom

After returning to Pakistan, Iftikhar was arrested in March 2024 at his residence, where authorities later revealed that his recruitment business was on the brink of bankruptcy, burdened with debts amounting to $22.8 million. He ultimately pled guilty to charges relating to threats against Walsh but denied harassment allegations involving his altercation with another crew member, Tommy Merchant.

A Testimony of Trauma

During the subsequent court hearing at Isleworth Crown Court, Walsh delivered a poignant testimony, stating, “Never in my entire career flying for 37 years have I been sure what to do. But he has taken that away from me.” The emotional impact of Iftikhar’s threats forced Walsh to take 14 months off work, highlighting the serious repercussions of his actions.

Virgin Atlantic Supports Walsh’s Courage

Virgin Atlantic issued a statement praising Walsh’s bravery during the trial and reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards disruptive behavior. “Our crew’s safety and security are our top priority,” the spokesperson affirmed, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to supporting staff in distressing circumstances.

• Safety First: Airlines maintain strict protocols against disruptive behavior aboard flights.
• Mental Health Matters: Experts advocate for better mental health awareness and treatment strategies to prevent similar incidents.
• Support Systems: Organizations, including airlines, should have frameworks in place to support victims of verbal and physical assault.

As the public digests these events, the juxtaposition between Rizvi’s glamorous life and Iftikhar’s sobering reality invites a more nuanced examination of celebrity, accountability, and the complexities of mental health. While Rizvi’s affection for her husband is evident, the chilling details of Iftikhar’s behavior have sparked broader conversations about societal expectations around mental wellness and the repercussions of unchecked aggression—both in the skies and beyond.

Source: www.ibtimes.co.uk