In an unusual turn of events, another air hostess from the financially troubled Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has gone missing after landing in Canada, marking the second mysterious disappearance this year. Maryam Raza, a seasoned PIA employee with 15 years of service, failed to report for duty on the return flight to Karachi after arriving in Toronto on PIA flight PK-782 from Islamabad.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered her uniform and a note in her hotel room that simply read, ‘Thank you, PIA.’ This incident mirrors a similar case in January when another air hostess named Faiza Mukhtar vanished upon landing in Canada, creating concerns for the airline. Officials suspect that Canada’s lenient immigration system, offering asylum to entrants, may be a contributing factor.
Interestingly, Mukhtar had a past suspension due to alleged involvement in smuggling activities, including mobile phones and foreign currency. The trend seems to be growing, as last year witnessed seven PIA cabin crew members going missing in Canada during flight duties. Shockingly, one of them, who had slipped away years ago, has now settled in Canada and reportedly guides other crew members contemplating seeking asylum.
PIA’s spokesperson revealed that the airline has been collaborating with Canadian authorities to prevent such incidents in the future. This comes at a time when Pakistan’s caretaker cabinet, in a final noteworthy move, has given the green light to the restructuring of the national carrier, aiming to navigate through the challenging financial terrain.
The phenomenon of Pakistani flight attendants mysteriously disappearing after arriving in Canada has been ongoing since 2019, with recent incidents drawing increased attention from media and authorities alike. The mysterious disappearances in Canada have sparked concerns within PIA, prompting a closer look at the underlying issues and the human stories behind the headlines. The airline’s management remains committed to resolving these challenges, emphasizing the importance of preventing further instances and ensuring the safety and integrity of its crew.
