Two senior flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) slipped away in Canada after a flight from Islamabad landed in Toronto. This marks the fourth incident this year and follows a similar trend from the previous year.
The identified crew members, Khalid Mehmood and Feda Hussain, reportedly reached Canada on PIA flight PK772 but chose not to return to Islamabad upon arrival in Toronto.
PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan stated that the flight had to return to Islamabad without the two flight attendants who failed to show up on the scheduled return.
The airline has informed local authorities in Toronto about the situation, and strict departmental action will be taken against both individuals after a thorough investigation, potentially leading to the termination of their services.
The recent disappearance of PIA employees in Canada sheds light on a growing trend among Pakistani nationals seeking refuge in developed countries with liberal asylum policies. This pattern extends beyond economic migrants attempting illegal means for a better life.
Over the past two years, eight PIA employees have gone missing in Canada, raising concerns about the misuse of asylum programs. The flight attendants, Khalid Mehmood and Feda Hussain, add to the list of disappearing white-collar workers, indicating a potential shift in migration patterns.
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PIA spokesperson Abdullah Khan highlighted the impact of Canada’s “overly liberal asylum and asylum program,” suggesting that stringent measures, including terminating services and denying benefits, are implemented against individuals involved in such incidents.
This trend is not unique to PIA, as it reflects broader challenges faced by authorities in curbing migration through unauthorized means.
In response to the increasing incidents of flight attendants disappearing in Canada, PIA has reportedly implemented stricter regulations for its cabin crew members traveling to Canada and European countries.
These regulations include setting an age limit of above 50 years for cabin crew members, aiming to address and deter the misuse of asylum programs. The airline’s move reflects a proactive approach to safeguard against further incidents and maintain the integrity of its workforce.