The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) successfully intercepted a gold smuggling attempt at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar and arrested two employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and seized 7,740 grams of gold.
FIA conducted the operation in collaboration with the Airport Security Force (ASF), highlighting Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities at major transit points.
The FIA’s Commercial Banking Circle in Peshawar detained PIA employees Nasir Khan and Shahidullah after catching them hiding 7.7 kilograms of gold in luggage for illegal export. Both suspects, stationed at the airport, are on a two-day physical remand for interrogation. Investigators are examining their involvement in other smuggling operations. This Rs150 million gold seizure delivers a significant setback to illicit networks.
پی آر نمبر: 654/2025
ایف آئی اے کمرشل بینکنگ سرکل پشاور اور اے ایس ایف کی مشترکہ کاروائی کروڑوں مالیت کے سونے کی بیرون ملک اسمگلنگ ناکام پی آئی اے کے 2 اہلکار ناصر خان اور شاہد اللہ گرفتار
ملزمان کے قبضے سے 7740 گرام سونا برآمد کر لیا گیا
گرفتار ملزمان پشاور ائرپورٹ پر تعینات ہیں pic.twitter.com/BkOamON95S
— Federal Investigation Agency – FIA (@FIA_Agency) August 24, 2025Pakistan’s authorities have ramped up their efforts to combat smuggling in response to incidents like the escape at Jinnah International Airport in August 2025. The actions taken by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are part of broader economic reforms, which include a $7 billion bailout from the IMF and measures aimed at stabilising the rupee, which has fallen to Rs284.50. Gold smuggling, often associated with tax evasion, poses a significant threat to Pakistan’s $19.6 billion in foreign reserves.
The recent arrests underscore vulnerabilities in airport security, leading to calls for increased oversight. As Pakistan faces a 40% provincial poverty rate, addressing illegal trade is crucial for economic stability.
