The incident is the latest in a series of smuggling cases
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) air hostess was arrested on January 25, 2025, for attempting to smuggle mobile phones into the country.
She was reportedly smuggling iPhone 16 Pro max models worth millions of rupees into Pakistan.
This particular mobile phone is worth PKR 500,000 (£1,400) in the Pakistani market.
Customs officials at Lahore Airport intercepted the hostess upon her arrival on flight PK 264 from Abu Dhabi.
During the inspection, authorities discovered dozens of expensive mobile phones concealed in her luggage.
The smuggled phones were confiscated and a disciplinary investigation was launched to determine the extent of the operation.
Customs officials are probing whether the air hostess was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling network.
The PIA spokesperson reiterated the airline’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal activities, promising strict action against any employee found violating the law.
The incident is the latest in a series of smuggling cases involving PIA staff.
Just two days earlier, customs authorities at Multan Airport apprehended five PIA crew members.
They were caught smuggling 78 iPhones on flight PK-222 from Dubai.
The operation began when customs officials found 24 iPhones concealed by two female flight attendants.
Upon interrogation, the attendants revealed the involvement of several male colleagues, leading to the recovery of an additional 54 devices.
Following an internal investigation, the guilty crew members were terminated from employment.
The airline has faced repeated embarrassment due to such incidents.
In October 2024, customs officials at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport seized mobile phones worth millions of rupees in two separate cases.
PIA air hostess Nadia Batool was caught attempting to smuggle 30 iPhones valued at over PKR 11.2 million (£32,000), concealed on her body and in her luggage.
Additionally, two passengers, Muhammad Arshad and his wife, Fariha Amin, were found with mobile phones worth Rs 5.5 million (£15,000) hidden in their luggage.
All three individuals were arrested, and legal proceedings were initiated.
These frequent smuggling scandals have sparked public criticism, with many questioning the lack of oversight within the national airline
PIA’s management has vowed to address the issue, emphasising its commitment to upholding discipline and accountability among its staff.
Adding to its troubles, PIA recently faced backlash over a controversial Paris flight advertisement.
While the airline seeks to rebuild its image, incidents like these highlight the pressing need for stricter regulations to prevent future misconduct.
Authorities continue to investigate these cases to identify and dismantle any larger smuggling networks.
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