PIA sacks two employees over mobile phone smuggling charges

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has terminated the employment of two staff members due to allegations of cellphone smuggling.

A spokesperson for PIA stated that the employees were dismissed following a comprehensive investigation that adhered to established protocols. The allegations against them were substantiated.

The spokesperson emphasized that PIA maintains a strict policy against any breaches of its internal regulations or national laws.

Previously, customs officials seized 78 high-value mobile phones, including 54 iPhones, valued at millions of rupees from the crew of a PIA flight traveling from Dubai to Multan.

The confiscated iPhone 16 Pro models were discovered in the possession of five crew members.

Acting on prior intelligence, customs authorities intercepted the crew and initially found 24 iPhones with two air hostesses.

Subsequent inquiries resulted in the recovery of an additional 54 phones from male crew members, who were called back from their hotel.