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Pakistanis have found a new way to ditch their home country!

Produced by: Tarun Mishra

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Unveiling a Trend

A concerning trend has emerged as Pakistani flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) seek asylum in Canada, showcasing a new method of ditching their home country behind.

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Discovery of an  Appreciation Note

A note expressing gratitude towards PIA, typically expected from a satisfied passenger, was discovered in a Toronto hotel room. Surprisingly, the note was penned by a PIA air hostess, Maryam Raza, who had vanished after arriving in Canada from Islamabad.

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Continuation of a Pattern

Maryam Raza's disappearance follows a pattern observed among PIA crew members, with her case being the latest in a series of similar incidents.

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Previous Instances

The disappearance of Maryam Raza echoes the vanishing act of another PIA flight attendant, Faiza Mukhtar, in January 2024, underlining a concerning trend for the airline.

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Recurring Events

The frequency of such disappearances has escalated, with at least seven PIA cabin crew members reportedly going missing after landing in Canada in 2023 alone.

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Attributing Factors

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan points to Canada's liberal asylum policies as a driving force behind the trend, compounded by low salaries and uncertainty about the airline's future.

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Consequences for  the Airline

The ongoing trend has led to embarrassment for PIA management, prompting termination of services and denial of benefits for absconding crew members.

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Community Assistance

Formerly disappeared flight attendants like Mahira have been reported to provide legal aid to others seeking asylum, indicating a network of support among the absconding crew.

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Economic and Political  Landscape

Pakistan's economic challenges and political instability have contributed to record-high inflation and a desire among citizens to seek better prospects abroad, with PIA crew members opting for free flights out of the country amid the turmoil.