PM Shehbaz directs to intensify search, rescue operations for crashed cargo plane

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic crash of a privately operated cargo aircraft that was flying from Sharjah to Karachi before losing contact and crashing into the Arabian Sea.

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the premier extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the five crew members who were on board the ill-fated aircraft, expressing solidarity with them during this difficult time.

PM Shehbaz also instructed the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Pakistan Navy, and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to further intensify the ongoing search and rescue efforts in the Arabian Sea, directing the authorities to deploy every available resource to support the operation.

Earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has confirmed the crash of a privately operated cargo aircraft and said a search and rescue operation is underway.

According to sources, the aircraft had been sent to Sharjah for repairs after developing a technical fault. It remained there for five days before departing for Karachi on a ferry flight, with no cargo or passengers on board.

Sources said the aircraft was repaired in Sharjah by a company identified as Northern Techniques, which they claimed is owned by a former aviation adviser from Pakistan.

A PAA spokesperson said communication with the cargo aircraft was lost during its flight from Sharjah to Karachi after the crew reported a malfunction in the aircraft's navigation system.

The spokesperson said the Karachi Area Control Centre immediately provided guidance to the crew. However, the aircraft suddenly began losing altitude rapidly and changed its course.

As per the PAA, the aircraft disappeared from radar about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi, with both radar tracking and radio communication being lost simultaneously.

Following the incident, the Rescue Coordination Centre was activated without delay.

The spokesperson added that a search and rescue operation has been launched in the sea to locate the missing aircraft. Multiple agencies are participating in the operation. The privately operated cargo aircraft was carrying five crew members.