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ARY NEWS

Salah Uddin

  • Two PIA staff arrested in FIA raid on gold smuggling bid at Peshawar Airport

    Two PIA staff arrested in FIA raid on gold smuggling bid at Peshawar Airport

    PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) foiled a gold smuggling bid involving PIA employees at Bacha Khan International Airport on Sunday, ARY News reported.

    According to an FIA spokesperson, FIA’s Commercial Banking Circle in Peshawar seized the gold and detained the suspects in a joint operation with the Airport Security Force (ASF).

    Both Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees, who were part of the gold smuggling bid, were identified as Nasir Khan and Shahidullah, were taken into custody during the raid.

    The suspects were posted at Peshawar Airport and are being investigated for facilitating other smuggling operations.

    According to the reports, officials recovered 7,740 grams of gold from the suspects, which was hidden inside the luggage for illegal export.

    The FIA confirmed that the suspects have been sent on a two-day physical remand for further interrogation.

    Investigations may lead to further arrests of suspects involved in the gold smuggling bid and similar cases.

    This operation highlights the FIA’s strengthened efforts to curb international smuggling networks operating through Pakistan’s airports.

    Read More: FIA foils illegal Pakistan-Iran border crossing attempt.

    Earlier, the FIA Balochistan Zone successfully foiled an illegal border crossing attempt and arrested foreign nationals at the Pakistan-Iran border.

    According to FIA spokespersons, the anti-Human Trafficking Circle Quetta executed the operation and managed to stop the illegal border crossing attempt, arresting defamed agent Nadir and his assistant Haider, who were running human trafficking networks.

    During the raid, individuals from Bangladesh, who had entered Pakistan unlawfully were attempting to enter Iran via Pakistan’s border, were also taken into custody.

    FIA has been actively executing the operations against human trafficking networks and foiling the attempts of involved groups.

    These operations are also part of the same efforts to fight against human smuggling and any kind of smuggling active in Pakistan, operating through different parts of country.

  • Passenger escapes FIA custody at Jinnah International Airport amid lax security

    Passenger escapes FIA custody at Jinnah International Airport amid lax security

    KARACHI: A major security lapse occurred at Jinnah International Airport after a passenger in the custody of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Immigration staff managed to escape, ARY News reported.

    According to officials, the passenger, identified as Abdul Samad, was detained after his name appeared on the immigration manual watchlist.

    He was under investigation for a murder case registered in Khairpur a few days earlier. The suspect attempted to flee to Jeddah from Jinnah International Airport on Saudi Airlines flight SV-705 during the night between August 12 and 13.

    FIA officers handcuffed Abdul Samad and held him at the airport; however, he escaped during the night shift by taking advantage of heavy passenger traffic.

    Reports indicate that no other security agency intervened to stop him, even though he left the premises while still wearing handcuffs.

    Following the incident, a female sub-inspector serving as shift in-charge and a head constable were suspended and instructed to report to the zonal office.

    An inquiry has been launched against the suspended FIA officials for negligence.

    Also Read: FIA arrests bank fraud accused

    Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) arrested a man involved in a bank fraud case in Faisalabad.

    According to official sources, Hassan Raza was wanted by the FIA in connection with a fraud amounting to Rs 36.2 million. He was apprehended from the Hasanpura area of Faisalabad.

    Two co-accused, Usman (Branch Manager) and Shahzad (Relationship Manager), are already in FIA custody. In addition to the bank fraud charges, Hassan Raza is also implicated in eight separate dacoity cases.

    The accused, in collaboration with the bank manager, had withdrawn $128,000 from a citizen’s account.

    An FIA spokesperson stated that fake accounts were created at the Bank’s Gatt Wala Branch, from which the funds were withdrawn. Hassan Raza participated in the crime as a joint account holder.

     

     

  • Power ‘outage’ hits PIA offices in Karachi

    Power ‘outage’ hits PIA offices in Karachi

    KARACHI: Electricity supply to several Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) offices in Karachi was suddenly disrupted, ARY News reported on Thursday, citing sources. 

    According to sources, power has been disconnected at the PIA Engineering Division, including the Ispahani Hangar, causing serious disruption to aircraft maintenance activities.

    The power outage has also impacted the office of PIA Aircraft Engineers, resulting in operational difficulties.

    Sources within PIA reveal that power supply from K-Electric to several departments has been suspended for the past three days, severely hampering routine functions.

    Read more: Karachi still facing power outages after two days of rain

    Following two days of heavy rainfall, the city continues to face a severe electricity crisis as 98 feeders of K-Electric remain non-functional, leaving large areas without power.

    According to officials, underground cables and substations were inundated with rainwater, disrupting electricity supply across several neighbourhoods.

    Power outages have been reported from different parts of Karachi including Surjani Town, Yousuf Goth, Moinabad, Scheme 33, and Baldia. Areas such as Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Bin Qasim, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Manghopir, and Razzaqabad also remain without power.

    Residents of Ramswami, the Old City Area, Urdu Bazaar, and M.A. Jinnah Road have been facing outages for more than 48 hours.

  • Pakistani airlines face possible fines over Umrah flight delays

    Pakistani airlines face possible fines over Umrah flight delays

    Pakistani airlines may face penalties from Saudi Arabian authorities over repeated delays in Umrah flights.

    According to details, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued a stern letter to Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), emphasizing the importance of timely flight operations.

    The letter stated that, under international regulations, on-time performance must be at least 80 percent.

    However, the on-time rate of Pakistani airlines currently ranges between only 37 and 69 percent.

    As per the letter, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) recorded 69 percent on-time flights, Airblue 65 percent, AirSial 46 percent, Fly Jinnah 43 percent, and Serene Air just 37 percent.

    GACA has strictly instructed that this situation be rectified immediately; otherwise, heavy fines will be imposed. It further noted that the delays have caused severe difficulties for passengers.

    Read more: Seven Pakistani Umrah pilgrims dead in Saudi Arabia road accident

    The letter was written by the President of Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation and addressed to the Director General of Pakistan’s CAA.

    It is worth mentioning here that this year, 1,673,230 pilgrims globally participated in the Hajj, with 1,506,576 international pilgrims arriving from 171 different countries.

    According to Saudi Arabia records, 166,654 domestic pilgrims participated Hajj this year, creating one of the most balanced gender ratios in Hajj history, with 877,841 men and 795,389 women.

  • Islamabad flight aborts Karachi landing amid intense rain

    Islamabad flight aborts Karachi landing amid intense rain

    KARACHI: Following heavy rainfall and stormy weather, a private flight from Islamabad to Karachi flight got diverted amid stormy weather, due to disruption in PIA operations, ARY News reported.

    On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, a private airline flight from Islamabad to Karachi faced severe stormy weather, causing the pilot to abort landing in Karachi and return safely to Islamabad.

    According to sources, pilot of a private flight, ER-501 tried to land two times at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, but he could not do so amid severe weather conditions.

    Showing intelligence, thinking wisely and prioritising safety of passengers, the pilot informed travelers about the weather condition and flew the aircraft back to Islamabad.

    Recent reports indicate that, the flight has since landed safely back at Islamabad International Airport.

    Meanwhile, disruption in PIA operations occurred in Karachi due to heavy rainfall and stormy weather, causing cancellation of multiple flights, including Karachi to Quetta and Karachi to Islamabad.

    Further Karachi flight delays were reported, including Lahore to Karachi, Karachi to Jeddah, Karachi to Madinah, and Karachi to Najaf, also faced delays due to weather conditions and passenger related concerns. PIA cancelled two scheduled flights for the following morning due to disruption in PIA operations.

    The airline has urged passengers to stay updated by contacting the call center for real-time flight information.

    Read More: Heavy rain in Karachi disrupts flight operations

    Earlier on Tuesday, August 19, heavy rainfall in Karachi and its surrounding areas disrupted flight operations at Jinnah International Airport, causing multiple Karachi flight delays on both domestic and international routes.

    According to airport sources, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-300 from Karachi to Islamabad departed with a 30-minute delay, while Fly Jinnah’s flight 670 from Karachi to Islamabad took off an hour late at 8:00 am. AirSial’s scheduled 7:00 am flight from Karachi to Islamabad had not yet departed.

  • Karachi-bound flight narrowly escapes disaster after bird strike

    Karachi-bound flight narrowly escapes disaster after bird strike

    Karachi: A Karachi-bound flight of a private airline on Saturday narrowly escaped a disaster when a bird struck the aircraft’s engine while it was on the taxiway preparing for takeoff, ARY News reported.

    According to initial reports, the incident caused damage to one engine of Airblue’s Airbus A320  from Islamabad to Karachi, prompting authorities to ground the aircraft.

    Consequently, Airblue Flight 207 was canceled, along with the return flight from Karachi to Islamabad due to the aircraft’s unavailability.

    The cancellation sparked protests among passengers at the airport, leading to chaos and commotion.

  • PIA launches new Riyadh–Sialkot flight service

    PIA launches new Riyadh–Sialkot flight service

    Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has inaugurated a new flight route from Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, to Sialkot.

    According to PIA officials, nearly 200,000 passengers travel annually from Riyadh to various cities in Pakistan.

    The new service has been introduced to cater to their convenience, offering direct travel facilities.

    PIA stated that these flights will not only provide passengers with greater ease but also further strengthen air connectivity between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

    Read more: PIA announces special flights to Iraq for Arbaeen pilgrims

    Earlier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced special flight operation to facilitate Arbaeen pilgrims travelling to the holy city of Najaf in Iraq, following the government’s ban on road travel to Iran and Iraq.

    According to a spokesperson for the national flag carrier, the special flights begin operating from August 8 and continue till August 11 (today).

    Return flights from Najaf to Pakistan are scheduled between August 18 and August 23.

    PIA has introduced special discounted fares, setting the ticket price at $675 for the Arbaeen flight operation.

  • PIA Boeing 777 engine fault causes major flight delays

    PIA Boeing 777 engine fault causes major flight delays

    ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing 777 aircraft experienced a critical technical fault after landing in Paris, resulting in its grounding at Charles de Gaulle Airport, ARY News Reported.

    According to a PIA spokesperson, the aircraft experienced a fault in the engine as soon as it arrived, leaving it grounded at the airport.

    The technical fault in the PIA Boeing 777 caused widespread disturbance across the airline’s international flight schedule.

    Among the delays include the Islamabad to Paris flight PK749, which got delayed for10 hours and is now postponed to depart at 1:00 AM local time.

    The PIA Boeing 777 fault had a domino effect on other routes, including Flight PK797, which was scheduled to fly from Lahore to Toronto, departed with a delay of 12.5 hours.

    Likewise, private airline flight PA430 from which was to fly from Lahore to Abu Dhabi got delayed by 12 hours, and flight PK894 from which was scheduled to fly from Islamabad to Kuala Lumpur faced a delay of 7.5 hours.

    This incident comes shortly after PIA resumed its Paris operations in January 2025, following a four-year suspension due to a European Union ban.

    The recent incident took place shortly after the resumption of PIA’s Paris operations in January 2025, after four years suspension because of European Union ban.

    Read More: Islamabad International Airport Closure Reports Debunked by PAA

    Earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) denied rumours that Islamabad International Airport is being closed for eight days.

    In an official statement, the PAA termed such reports “misleading,” clarifying that in the days leading up to Independence Day on August 14, brief aerial activities for celebrations will temporarily suspend arrivals and departures for only two hours on specified dates and times.

  • Drug smuggling foiled at Allama Iqbal International Airport

    Drug smuggling foiled at Allama Iqbal International Airport

    LAHORE: The customs authorities at Allama Iqbal International airport successfully executed a major Lahore airport drug bust, foiling a smuggling attempt of 15 kilograms of high-quality narcotics into Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    According to the Lahore customs authorities, the Collector of Customs Airports, Tahir Habib Cheema, received a tip-off, upon which the foreign suspect, who had arrived from Bangkok via Thai Airways, was stopped.

    The arrest was executed, following the observation of the passenger’s movements upon arrival by the intelligence.

    Initially, the suspect crossed the international arrivals’ green channel without carrying any luggage. However, he came back shortly afterwards to collect his baggage, which prompted Lahore customs authorities to conduct a detailed inspection.

    During the inspection, more than 15 kilograms of premium-grade narcotics were found hidden within the luggage.

    The estimated cost of the seized narcotics in the Lahore airport drug bust is estimated to be worth approximately PKR 31 million (USD 110,000) in the international market.

    A formal FIR has been registered against the suspect, having taken the suspect into custody.
    Officials have started further investigations to find any associates operating within Pakistan.

    Officials highlighted that advanced technology will be kept in use to stop future smuggling attempts.

    This Lahore airport drug bust indicates the caution and efficiency of Pakistan’s customs enforcement in fighting transnational narcotics trafficking.

    Read More: FIA arrests human traffickers in Lahore

    Earlier, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Lahore Zone detained five suspects involved in human trafficking, along with a main suspect linked to the 2023 Greece boat tragedy.

    According to the FIA spokesperson, the suspects were arrested during combined raids in Lahore and Sheikhupura.

    The attempt was to smuggle the victim via boat from Libya to Italy, but the boat upturned in a deadly mishap in Greek waters, leaving the victim missing.

    The other suspect, Bilal Ahmad, reportedly duped a citizen of Rs 630,000, promising him to provide a Qatar work visa.

  • PIA privatisation gains momentum with ‘bidder company visit’

    PIA privatisation gains momentum with ‘bidder company visit’

    KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) privatisation process has gained further momentum, as one of the bidding companies is scheduled to visit the PIA head office starting today (Thursday), ARY News reported, citing sources.

    Sources reveal that the visiting company will inspect PIA aircraft and will be granted access to key airline records for evaluation purposes.

    The company officials are also expected to tour other critical PIA facilities tomorrow.

    Additionally, sources from PIA confirmed that delegations from two more interested companies will be visiting PIA installations next week as part of the ongoing due diligence process.

    The Pakistan International Airlines privatisation process accelerated after the approval of four bidders by the Privatisation Commission Board for due diligence in its 237th meeting.

    The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Ali, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation. The Cabinet Committee on Privatisation also authorised the transaction structure for the Roosevelt Hotel, and the review for another key asset is underway.

    Read more: PM orders full autonomy of Privatization Commission in SOEs’ denationalization

    According to the recent reports, 51 to 100 percent shares of PIA, including management control, are being offered by the government to attract qualified and reliable investors.

    The shortlisted bidders can now access a virtual data room and will perform comprehensive assessments over the next two months before the submission of final bids in Q4 20251.