ISLAMABAD – A senior officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has been caught facilitating the clearance of large quantity of alcoholic items under guise of airport protocol at the Allama Iqbal International Airport.
The incident occured in flight EY 284, arriving from Abu Dhabi via Etihad Airways, which landed at Lahore. A passenger on board was reportedly carrying around 65 bottles of high-quality foreign liquor in his baggage.
🇵🇰 PIA officer Safdar Gondal was caught at Lahore Airport carrying out alcohol bottles under the guise of protocol.
🚨 A passenger from a foreign flight brought about 65 bottles of high-quality alcohol, which the officer tried to remove. pic.twitter.com/jBO29FzsI3
— Asad Nasir (@asadnasir2000) May 13, 2026
As the situation developed at airport, PIA Passenger Service Officer identified as Safdar Gondal, along with a colleague, allegedly attempted to intervene and clear the passenger’s baggage by using what sources describe as “protocol influence” to bypass customs procedures.
However, the attempt reportedly collapsed when a vigilant Customs officer refused clearance and took immediate action, seizing all the alcohol bottles on the spot. The passenger managed to escape from the scene, while the PIA officials also reportedly left the airport shortly afterwards.
The incident was escalated when Customs authorities formally informed PIA station manager, prompting an emergency response. The concerned officers were later summoned back to the airport, where their statements were recorded and initial proceedings were launched.
Airport Security Force (ASF) further tightened the response, moving to cancel the entry passes of the individuals involved, remove them from airport duty, and recommend departmental action for misuse of authority and breach of airport protocol procedures.
PIA management since confirmed strict action. According to spokesperson Abdullah Khan, the officer has been suspended immediately, and a formal investigation has been initiated. He added that if involvement is proven, action will be taken under the law without any leniency.
Not the first time for any PIA staff member
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faced repeated allegations over the years involving some employees in smuggling cases, including gold, mobile phones, and narcotics, leading to arrests, suspensions, and dismissals by FIA, Customs, and ANF.
Gold Smuggling
In a major 2025 case, two PIA staff members were arrested at Peshawar airport for allegedly trying to smuggle around 7.74 kg of gold, though later related cases saw some employees acquitted due to lack of evidence.
iPhones Scandal
Another high-profile incident in January 2025 involved the recovery of 78 iPhones from a Dubai-to-Multan PIA flight, with several cabin crew members suspended and others later dismissed for alleged involvement in phone smuggling routes, including international destinations like Toronto.
In previous years, there were cases of heroin smuggling incidents that led to arrests and dismissal of over a dozen staff members. PIA also conducted broader crackdowns on employee misconduct, enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy with termination as the main penalty for proven wrongdoing.
The airline continues to work with law enforcement agencies and maintains that illegal activity is dealt with strictly, but recurring cases have repeatedly raised concerns about internal oversight and discipline within the organization.
