'Preeto' famed former model Arif Ali made fake bomb threat on Malaysian flight

Distressing details regarding a shift in Pakistani artist's life have come forward

An incident aboard a Malaysia Airlines flight from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur on August 14 resulted in the arrest of a 45-year-old man, identified as Muhammad Arif Ali. It was later discovered that the said suspect in custody is a former Pakistani model and actor. 

A thorough background check by The Current confirms that the man is from the famed Abrarul Haq music video, Preeto. The flight was forced to turn back to Sydney after the man claimed to have "explosives" in his backpack, according to Australian police.

Upon the plane's return to Sydney, the man was taken into custody and subsequently charged with making a false statement about a threat to damage an aircraft. The incident caused alarm among passengers and crew, prompting evacuation once the authorities confirmed the safety of the aircraft.

Videos of the agitated man circulated widely on social media platforms, where he was seen fervently praying on a prayer mat in the airplane's aisle. In the footage, he was observed repeatedly asking fellow passengers whether they considered themselves "a slave of Allah."

Ali's background in the entertainment industry was highlighted by his appearances in a popular Pakistani song, Preeto, by Haq, and a Pakistani sitcom titled Kollege Jeans, directed by Jawad Bashir, as confirmed by The Current. Their investigation further showed that his LinkedIn profile indicated a career pursuit in architecture, having graduated from the National College of Arts in 2002. He held positions at various firms in Karachi and Lahore from 2002 to 2016.

Although Ali's social media presence showcased his architectural projects, YouTube channel, Food for Thought, and throwback content from his acting career, a noticeable shift in his content occurred with his more recent videos primarily focusing on his religious views. His Instagram profile, established in 2014, also featured content related to his acting endeavours, particularly a throwback video with his Kollege Jeans co-actors.

Several acquaintances from the entertainment industry expressed concern over their loss of contact with Ali. One source revealed that they had heard Ali had developed extremist views. Additionally, there were suggestions that Ali might be grappling with mental health issues, a notion supported by his former colleagues and his legal representation. Calls for a psychological assessment and fair handling of the case were echoed by those familiar with Ali's background.

While Australian authorities assured the public that there was no imminent threat to the community, details surrounding the incident remain limited. The man's charges were expected to be formally presented on Monday night, shedding more light on the suspected offence. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to understand the circumstances that led to the in-flight disturbance.

As the case continues to unfold, concerns over the convergence of mental health struggles and extremism underscore the complexity of the situation. Ali's background as a former model and actor turned architect, along with his recent focus on religious content, has ignited discussions about the potential triggers for his behaviour.

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