From Abid Usman
LAHORE: Prominent political leaders on Friday have expressed deep grief over devastating crash of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) plane carrying 107 passengers in Karachi’s residential area. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Opposition Leader in National Assembly (NA) Shehbaz Sharif has extended sympathies to the bereaved families and pledged to stand by their sides.
PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal has also taken to social-networking website Twitter and posted, “Extremely sad to hear news of PIA A320 plane crash in Karachi.”
He further prayed for the passengers and staff on board. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information Asim Saleem Bajwa expressed, “Our heart goes out to all families of on board passengers of the ill-fated PIA plane that just crashed close to Karachi Airport.
All emergency services and resources mobilised, evacuation in progress on the directives of PM Imran, he added. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that he is deeply grieved over devastating plane crash in resident area flying to Karachi. We are in midst of grave challenges as a nation and in these times of trial we must show resolve and unity, he urged.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar posted, “My prayers and sympathies are with the families of the passengers onboard. May Allah give them strength to cope with this loss.”
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has also expressed shock and deep grief over the PIA plane crash at a populated area near Quaid-e-Azam International Airport, Karachi this afternoon.
In a statement issued here on Friday, the PPP chairman showed sympathy with those whose loved ones were onboard and prayed for them. He said the tragic incident had grieved the entire nation. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Syed Shibli Faraz on Friday said the government is fully focusing on relief and rescue operations in PIA aircraft crash incident.
He said it is a tragic and sad incident before Eid and all prays of Prime Minister Iman Khan and his government are with the passengers, crew members, and their families. The minister said injured are being shifted to hospitals and details of passengers and the plane are being collected, which will be shared, after compilation, with the media.
Shibli Faraz appealed the general public to refrain from visiting the crash site as it will create hurdles in the way of rescue operation. The information minister said federal government is in contact with the Sindh government and both are making all out efforts in rescue operation.
“Prime Minister Imran Khan is also in contact with the Sindh government and Civil Aviation Authority and giving necessary directions in this regard,” he said. “An information desk is too being established to have a contact with families of the passengers on board the plane,” he added.
