Pakistan: In a shocking chain of incidents at least nine cabin crew members of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have allegedly gone missing after flying to Canada and failing to board their return flight to Karachi following which the latest crew member identified as Maryam Raza has also gone missing.
Her disappearance, marked by a note left behind expressing gratitude to PIA, highlights a growing trend of PIA staffers seeking asylum in Canada to settle. The PIA Crew members are taking benefit of flexible Canadian law as a human right, which allows for asylum applications after entry into the country.
The investigating authorities on search discovered Raza’s PIA uniform and a note bearing the message “Thank you, PIA” in her Toronto hotel room, adding to the mystery surrounding her sudden departure.
This incident mirrors a similar case involving PIA flight attendant Faiza Mukhtar in January 2024, who also vanished after landing in Canada.
Raza’s disappearance underscores broader challenges facing PIA, including financial and credibility issues.
Her case is the second instance in 2024, further fueling concerns about Pakistani flight attendants disappearing after arriving in Canada. This trend, initially observed in 2019, has continued to escalate, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding these mysterious vanishings.
Raza, a veteran of 15 years with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), was assigned to a flight from Islamabad to Toronto, Raza’s disappearance marks the second such incident this year, highlighting a troubling trend within the airline.
PIA’s spokesperson noted that this phenomenon is not isolated, with a similar occurrence reported just last month involving another air hostess failing to return for the scheduled flight after reaching Canada. The trend, attributed to the accommodating nature of Canadian asylum laws, has become increasingly prevalent, posing challenges for both the airline and authorities.
Last year alone, at least seven PIA cabin crew members disappeared in Canada while on duty, raising serious concerns within the airline. It is reported that one crew member who absconded some years ago has since settled in Canada and now provides advice to others contemplating seeking asylum.
In response to these incidents, PIA management has been actively collaborating with Canadian authorities to prevent further occurrences and safeguard the integrity of the airline’s operations.
