PM Khan, CEO PIA express grief over the plane crash

Pakistan International Airline (PIA) passenger plane has crashed near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on Friday, one minute before landing.

As per details, PK-8303, a PIA Airbus A320 from Lahore was about to land in Karachi when it crashed at the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir, Karachi.

It is estimated that 98 people were aboard the plane, including 90 passengers and eight flight crew members.

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Pilot Sajjad Gul and First Officer Usman Azam were present on the plane. The staff members included Farid Ahmad Chaudhry, Abdul Qayyum Ashraf, Malik Irfan Rafiq, Madiha Iram, Amna Irfan and Asma Shahzadi.

Flight operation at Karachi Airport has been suspended after the accident.

PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Marshal Arshad Malik immediately left for Karachi on a PAF plane.  Arshad Malik has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the sudden accident.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed grief over the plane crash and said that rescue teams have reached the spot and this is our top priority at the moment. He offered prayers of condolence and condolences to the families of those killed in the tragedy. The Prime Minister said that an immediate inquiry would be held into the incident.

Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 22, 2020

PIA spokesperson confirmed the crash and added that PK-8303 was carrying 91 passengers and 7 crew members from Lahore to Karachi. Director Programming 24 News Ansar Naqvi was among the passengers.

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Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masood was also onboard and survived the crash, according to family. He has been critically injured, said the family.

Troops from the Pakistan Army’s Quick Reaction Force and Pakistan Rangers Sindh arrived at the crash site shortly after to assist the civil administration in relief and rescue efforts.

Update #PIA Incident:
Pak Army Aviation helicopters flown for damage assessment and rescue efforts.
Urban Search & Rescue Teams are being sent on site for rescue efforts.

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 22, 2020

A statement issued by DG ISPR said that Army Quick Reaction Force and Pakistan Rangers Sindh reached the spot. Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers will assist the civil administration in relief activities.

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