Karachi – July 25, 2025
In a troubling incident that has raised fresh concerns about airport security, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employee was arrested at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on allegations of stealing a passenger’s luggage shortly after a domestic flight landed.
The accused, identified as Tariq Ali, is said to be part of PIA’s engineering department. He was taken into custody after a female passenger arriving from Lahore on flight PK-305 reported her luggage missing upon arrival. According to sources, the bag vanished somewhere between the aircraft’s arrival and baggage claim.
Airport officials launched an immediate inquiry following the complaint. Suspicion quickly fell on a member of the ground crew, and Tariq was identified through internal surveillance footage. Sources say he was apprehended after a brief altercation with security personnel when confronted.
“With the cooperation of the Karachi Airport administration, the stolen bag — containing the passenger’s personal belongings — was successfully recovered,” a senior airport official confirmed on condition of anonymity.
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has since handed Tariq Ali over to the Airport Security Force (ASF) for further questioning. His airport access pass has been revoked pending the results of a full investigation.
Meanwhile, PIA has also initiated its own internal probe. “Such behavior tarnishes the reputation of the national carrier and will not be tolerated,” a PIA representative said when contacted for comment.
ASF officials have begun gathering witness statements and reviewing security footage. A preliminary report is expected to be submitted within the coming days.
The incident has sparked concern among passengers, many of whom have called for tighter monitoring of airline staff and stricter penalties for those caught abusing their positions.
While airport theft is not a new issue in the region, this particular case — involving an airline employee — underscores the pressing need for more robust oversight and accountability within aviation operations.
As investigations continue, officials have assured the public that swift and transparent action will be taken. For the affected passenger, however, the experience has left a sour aftertaste to what should have been a routine domestic journey.
