Pakistan PIA Air Hostess Smuggling: Another case of alleged smuggling on a Pakistani aircraft has come to light, involving an air hostess of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). Lahore customs officials seized dozens of expensive mobile phones from the air hostess as she landed by a flight from Abu Dhabi. The air hostess was arrested.
According to a report by Pakistani media website Express Tribune, the air hostess was carrying dozens of expensive mobile phones smuggled on flight number PK-264. These phones were recovered during a check of her luggage after arriving at Lahore airport. Customs officials said all the phones were seized and an investigation was launched against the air hostess.
Officials believe that the air hostess is part of a smuggling racket and is being investigated to trace the origin of the racket. Two days ago, the PIA had dismissed two of its crew members after they were found guilty of mobile phone theft.
A spokesperson for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) confirmed that both employees were dismissed from their jobs after their investigation.
Controversial History Of PIA
PIA air hostesses have been caught in smuggling cases before as well. In July 2024, another air hostess was arrested on charges of smuggling foreign currency. She was caught at the Allama Iqbal International Airport when US dollars and Saudi riyals were found hidden in her socks, worth millions of Pakistani Rupees.
Earlier, PIA had come under controversy over the publicity campaign for a flight to Paris, when they showed the plane flying in front of the Eiffel Tower in a poster, which looked like it was similar to the 9/11 American attack. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had also expressed disappointment over this.
Before that, two pilots were found to have served Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) for years after clearing their tests with fake degrees. What was shocking is that they flew aircraft with the PIA for decades, putting the lives of passengers at risk.
