Staff Reporter
Rawalpindi
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday expressed sadness over loss of precious lives in the plane crash in Karachi which left several people dead and many others wounded.
Prime Minister took to the social networking website twitter and expressed shock and saddened over the PIA crash.
He said that he is in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi and with the rescue and relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now.
The prime minister further said that immediate inquiry will be instituted. He also convoyed prayers and condolences go to families of the deceased.
On the other hand, in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS directed provision of full assistance to civil administration in rescue and relief efforts. Meanwhile, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has expressed grief over the tragic air crash of PIA Airbus 320 aircraft near Karachi airport on Airport.
He further said that PAF stands by PIA at this difficult time and extends all out support in Rescue Operation, said a PAF press release.
Ambulances, fire tenders and relief teams have reached the site of the crash, however, a large crowd gathered at the crash site is causing difficulties for the rescue workers. Pakistan s armed forces have also put out a statement saying that their teams are on the spot. “Army Quick Reaction Force & Pakistan Rangers Sindh troops reached the incident site for relief and rescue efforts alongside civil administration,” DG ISPR, Major General Babar Iftikhar tweeted.
“Pak Army Aviation helicopters flown for damage assessment and rescue efforts. Urban Search & Rescue Teams are being sent on-site for rescue efforts,” it also said. A senior Pakistani bureaucrat has said PM Imran Khan has directed all emergency services to mobilised to manage the tragedy. “Our heart goes out to all families of onboard passengers of the ill-fated PIA plane that just crashed close to Karachi Airport. On PM’s directions, all emergency services and resources mobilised, evacuation in progress,” Asim Saleem Bajwa said.
