Customs officials at New Islamabad Airport have arrested a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) steward for trying to smuggle 15 iPhones into Pakistan. The steward arrived from Canada carrying the high-value phones, reported Dialogue Pakistan on Saturday.
A PIA spokesperson confirmed the steward traveled as a passenger on a tourist visa on the Canada-Islamabad flight. During a routine customs check, officers found the iPhones in his possession. Although he wasn’t on duty, PIA issued a show-cause notice, and he is now in custody pending legal action.
This case follows a similar incident in October at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport. Customs officials seized mobile phones worth millions from PIA air hostess Nadia Batool, who attempted to smuggle 30 iPhones worth over Rs 11.2 million. Two passengers, Muhammad Arshad and Fariha Amin, were also found with phones valued at Rs 5.5 million hidden in their luggage.
All three were arrested, and charges have been filed.
