KARACHI, Aug 15: The judicial magistrate-5, Malir, Zakaullah Abro, on Tuesday granted bail to an air hostess of the Pakistan International Airline against a surety of Rs30,000. She was arrested on Aug 13 at the airport by the Airport Security Force with a pistol in her handbag.

According to police, 23-year-old Irum Ara was arrested in the domestic departure lounge in the morning, when she arrived there to board a Gwadar-Quetta-Turbat-bound flight.

A case (FIR No 34/07) was registered under Section 13/E against her by the Airport police for carrying an unlicensed weapon.

It was said that a revolver loaded with four bullets was detected in her handbag by ASF staff. The investigation officer requested the court for her remand till Aug 29, but his requested was not accepted.

The defence counsel, referring to the women protection law, pleaded for her bail.

The court after hearing the arguments granted bail and asked the IO to produce a charge-sheet against the accused on Aug 29.