Pakistan's iPhone 16 Courier Scam At Karachi Airport Explained: 5 Things To Know

Published 29 July 2026 · tech

Pakistan's iPhone 16 Courier Scam At Karachi Airport Explained: 5 Things To Know Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 13:18 IST Customs officials maintained

Pakistan's iPhone 16 Courier Scam At Karachi Airport Explained: 5 Things To Know Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 13:18 IST Customs officials maintained that the device was released only after a clearing agent presented the required documents. The case was filed by Muhammad Nausherwan Khan, who said his sister in Canada sent him an iPhone 16 Plus through FedEx in December 2024. Pakistan’s Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) flagged an organised scam involving the import and clearance of an iPhone 16, directing the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to investigate the alleged roles of courier company FedEx, Customs officials and private individuals. Here’s what happened 1. An iPhone 16 Plus Went Missing After Customs Clearance The case was filed by Muhammad Nausherwan Khan, who said his sister in Canada sent him an iPhone 16 Plus through FedEx in December 2024.

After the phone reached Karachi, Khan paid the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) tax of Rs 138,526, but alleged that the handset was never delivered to him. 2. A Forged Letter Was Allegedly Used To Collect The Phone According to the complaint, Khan later discovered that the iPhone had allegedly been released to another individual using a forged authority letter. Customs officials maintained that the device was released only after a clearing agent presented the required documents, including the original detention receipt and invoice. 3. The Ombudsman Found Signs Of An ‘Organised Scam’ Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar Hijazi questioned why the rightful consignee was denied possession despite personally approaching Customs authorities. The FTO noted that while Khan’s name remained unchanged in the tracking records and import documents, the address and contact details had allegedly been replaced with those of another individual.

The Ombudsman said the pattern pointed to an organised scam whose modus operandi could not be ignored. 4. The Case Continued Even After Phone Was Returned Although Khan later informed the Ombudsman that his grievance had been resolved, the FTO decided to pursue the matter further, saying the suspected fraud could extend beyond a single case and warranted a wider investigation in the public interest. 5. A Nationwide Probe Has Been Recommended The FTO has asked the FBR to direct the Chief Collector of Customs (Airports) to investigate the alleged role of FedEx, Customs officials and other individuals. It also recommended examining courier import data from January 2025 to June 2026 to identify similar cases, probing the alleged use of forged authority letters, initiating legal and disciplinary action where necessary, and introducing a uniform standard operating procedure for courier clearances at all international airports.