The case of the 42 missing iPhones has escalated to the highest level of government, with President Asif Ali Zardari officially intervening to address what has been termed a “serious case of maladministration” and potential fraud at the Islamabad International Airport.
On March 2, 2026, President Zardari took the significant step of remanding the case back to the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) for a thorough re-investigation, rejecting a previous representation by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
The Core of the Controversy
The case began when an importer complained that 42 iPhone 14 Pro Max devices, which were recovered from him by Customs officials, never made it back into his possession.
| Detail | Status / Claim |
| Quantity | 42 Units (iPhone 14 Pro Max) |
| Customs Claim | The phones were officially “destroyed” by authorities. |
| Importer’s Claim | The “destruction” was a front for theft; the phones are still active. |
| Location | Islamabad International Airport (Customs Collectorate). |
President Zardari’s Intervention
The President’s involvement marks a rare high-level focus on a specific case of “airport mess.” Key points from his directive include:
- Evidence of Life: The central question is whether the devices are currently active. If the phones are in use, it proves the “destruction” claim was a fabrication used to facilitate high-end theft.
- Maladministration: The President highlighted that this is a “classic example” of fraudulent activities committed by officials on the ground.
- Accountability: He has directed the FBR Member Customs (Operations) to take immediate notice and ensure such “fraudulent activities” are prevented in the future.
The “Destruction” Mystery
In many customs cases, seized goods that don’t meet regulatory standards are supposedly crushed or burned. However, the importer alleged that these premium devices—worth millions of rupees—were instead siphoned off by officials for personal gain or resale.
Current Status: The case is now back with the Federal Tax Ombudsman. A high-level inquiry is expected to track the IMEI numbers of the missing phones to see if they are currently connected to any mobile networks.