Pakistani man caught at Sydney Airport for fake bomb threats turns out for Preeto’s song model and former actor of Pakistan.
A Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on August 14 witnessed a disruptive incident that led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man, identified as Muhammad Arif Ali, who was later confirmed to be a former Pakistani model and actor.
The event forced the flight to make an unexpected return to Sydney after the man claimed he had “explosives” in his backpack, prompting a swift response from Australian authorities.
Upon the plane’s return to Sydney, Ali was taken into custody and charged with making a false statement about a threat to damage an aircraft. The situation caused significant alarm among passengers and crew, resulting in their evacuation once authorities assured the safety of the aircraft.
Ali’s connection to the entertainment industry has come to light, with confirmations that he appeared in a popular Pakistani music video called “Preeto,” performed by Abrarul Haq. He also had a role in a Pakistani sitcom titled “Kollege Jeans,” directed by Jawad Bashir. Further investigations by The Current unveiled that Ali pursued a career in architecture, graduating from the National College of Arts in 2002 and working at various firms in Karachi and Lahore until 2016.
Videos capturing the agitated scene aboard the flight circulated extensively on social media. In these videos, Ali was observed fervently praying on a prayer mat in the aisle of the airplane, engaging fellow passengers in conversations about their faith.
Read more: Muslim traveler’s ordeal at Ben Gurion Airport sparks outrage
While Ali initially gained attention for his architectural projects, YouTube channel, and content related to his acting career, his online presence shifted to focus more on his religious views. His Instagram profile, established in 2014, showcased both his acting endeavors and a throwback video featuring his fellow actors from “Kollege Jeans.”
معلوم ہوا ھے کہ جہاز میں جہاد فرمانے والے بابا جی کسی زمانے کی مشہور زمانہ سیریز "کالج جینز" کے ادکار محمد علی عارف تھے۔۔
کیا ہوا کرتے تھے اور کیا ہو گئے۔۔۔!! اللہ اللہ۔۔!!@ZesHPirzadA
@sabaeitizaz
confirmed it a while ago https://t.co/6TgsCYbUae pic.twitter.com/rNslSGfSut— Ajmal Jami (@ajmaljami) August 15, 2023
Friends and acquaintances from the entertainment industry have expressed concern about their lack of contact with Ali. Some reports suggest that he may have developed extremist viewpoints. Additionally, there are indications that Ali might be grappling with mental health issues, an observation supported by his former colleagues and his legal representatives.
Despite Australian authorities assuring the public that there was no immediate threat to the community, specific details about the incident remain limited. The formal presentation of charges against Ali was scheduled for Monday night, which is expected to provide more clarity on the nature of the alleged offense. Ongoing investigations are focused on unraveling the circumstances that led to the in-flight disturbance.
As the situation continues to unfold, discussions surrounding the intersection of mental health challenges and extremism have surfaced, underscoring the intricate nature of the case. Ali’s background as a former model and actor who transitioned into architecture, combined with his recent emphasis on religious content, has ignited conversations about the potential triggers behind his actions.