PIA looking to take action against the missing crew in Canada
Pakistan
International Airlines (PIA) intends to enlist support from the Federal
Investigation Agency (FIA) of Pakistan and Canadian immigration authorities
following the disappearance of two crew members in Canada this week, revealed a
PIA spokesperson on Saturday. This recent occurrence marks the 10th such incident
within a two-year period.
The surge in
Pakistani nationals attempting to reach developed countries in Europe and North
America through irregular means reflects the growing desire to escape
challenging economic conditions at home.
Two
more PIA flight attendants reportedly missing in Canada
Last June, a worn trawler
carrying over 750 irregular migrants, including 350 from Pakistan, sank near
Greece, prompting Pakistani officials to collaborate with Greek authorities to
combat human trafficking.
The recent
disappearance of Flight Steward Jibran Baloch and Airhostess Maryam Raza in
Canada indicates a concerning trend among white-collar workers. Baloch, aboard
the Toronto-bound PK-782 flight on Feb. 29, failed to return, while Raza,
flying to Toronto, didn't show up for the return flight PK-784 to Karachi.
PIA
blames Canadian asylum policy for the 'vanishing' of staff
PIA spokesperson
Abdullah Khan confirmed both incidents, stating the airline is planning actions
through the FIA and Canadian immigration authorities to locate and repatriate
the missing cabin crew.
This development
follows the disappearance of Airhostess Faiza Mukhtar in Canada in January,
marking three such cases this year. Khan attributes the trend to "easy
access to asylum" and a general desire among people to flee the country.
Flight
crew members of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) keep disappearing in
Canada
Despite implementing
measures such as profiling and restricting crew to those aged 50 and above, as
well as retaining passports with the station manager upon arrival at foreign
destinations, none have proven effective in preventing crew members from
absconding.
Pakistan's economic
challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and rising living costs,
have driven many young Pakistanis to seek opportunities abroad, even at great
risk.
Source: Daily Times