Top Pakistani model appears in court, denies smuggling money

A top Pakistani fashion model appeared in court on Thursday and dismissed charges that she attempted to fly to Dubai with half a million dollars in cash stashed in her luggage, her defense lawyer said.

Ayaan Ali pleaded not guilty at the hearing in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, said her lawyer, Latif Khosa. The next hearing in the case was set for Dec. 8, he added.

Ali has been the focus of media attention since March when authorities, working on a tip, nabbed her at the VIP lounge of Islamabad's airport.

Under Pakistani laws, no one can carry over $10,000 on a flight, but authorities found $506,800 tucked in her luggage.

Ali was released on bail in July and her lawyer has said she had no intention to take money outside Pakistan. She has remained mostly tight-lipped during court appearances.

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