By our correspondent
KARACHI: In a recent operation at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, the Airport Security Forces (ASF) foiled an attempt to smuggle foreign currency, seizing Rs17 million worth of cash that was destined for Dubai. The passenger, Mohammad Ahmed Ilyas, was found carrying 225,000 UAE dirhams and Saudi riyals concealed in his luggage. The foreign currency was flagged during routine checks, prompting an investigation.
Ilyas was promptly detained, and both the suspect and the confiscated currency were handed over to Customs for further scrutiny. This incident follows closely on the heels of another high-profile case involving a senior flight steward from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Faisal Majeed Pehnwar. Last week, Pehnwar was suspended after customs officials discovered 16 mobile phones hidden on his person, which he was attempting to smuggle into the country from Canada.
The phones were found during a routine customs check of passengers arriving on a PIA flight. In response, PIA management took immediate disciplinary action, issuing a show-cause notice to Pehnwar, instructing him to submit a written explanation within three days. PIA has made it clear that the airline will not tolerate any misuse of its privileges, particularly in connection with smuggling activities.
The incident has sparked concerns about security and accountability within the airline, highlighting the ongoing challenges authorities face in curbing smuggling operations at Pakistan’s airports. As investigations continue, both cases underscore the persistent problem of illicit activities attempting to exploit Pakistan’s international air travel routes.
