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Published 04 Apr, 2024 10:41am

Canadian media reveals startling details about PIA hostess arrest

New reports in the Canadian media have revealed that Pakistan International Airlines Hostess Hina Sani was carrying Canadian port stamps instead of illegal passports as originally claimed.

PIA hostess Hina Sani had recently been arrested in Toronto after landing with flight PK-789. Original reports said she was carrying multiple passports belonging to individuals not related to her. Later reports had also added a drug possession charge.

However, Canadian news outlet National Post reported on Wednesday that Sani was carrying two counterfeit port stamps belonging to the Canada Border Service Agency.

Borrder officials use port stamps, made of rubber, to mark the date and location of an entry or exit from that country.

Read: PIA air hostess rearrested in Canada on drug possession charge

“On March 28, 2024, a flight attendant for Pakistan International Airlines arriving at Pearson International Airport was sent to Secondary for examination and within one of their suitcases the examining border services officer located two counterfeit CBSA port stamps,” a spokesperson said.

“To be clear, [the flight attendant] … had two physical CBSA counterfeit port stamps, not stamp impressions,” the spokesperson added.

Carrying port stamps, instead of passports, is a significantly worse offence and has led to Sani being charged with one count of smuggling, one count of forgery instruments and one count of counterfeiting, according to Canadian media.

The national flag carrier is facing a host of financial difficulties and is facing the prospect of being privatised this year.

Apart from financial issues, the airline has also seen a trend of cabin crew members ‘slipping away’ particularly in Canada. Multiple such incidents have already been reported this year.

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