Several political figures and officials of the Pakistan armed forces expressed their condolences following the tragic crash of the Pakistan International Airlines’ passenger aircraft.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep sorrow and regret over the precious lives that were lost on the Karachi bound plane.
PM Imran prayed for the departed souls and patience for the bereaved family members of those onboard.
The premier also directed concerned agencies to begin an inquiry into the crash. He further called on rescue services to immediately start a rescue and relief operation.
Expressing his condolences, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa said he shared the grief of the bereaved families in this difficult time as he directed armed forces’ personnel to provide full assistance to civil administration in rescue/relief efforts.
Interior Minister Ejaz Ahmed Shah also expressed regret and condolences to the grieving family members of passengers onboard.
“Loss of life on Jumatul Wida is very saddening,” he said. ” I pray for a quick recovery for those who got injured in the accident.”
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz also expressed sorrow over the crash and said that all efforts were focused on the rescue operation for now.
Former president Asif Ali Zardari was also among senior poitical figures who expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members. He urged the Sindh government and party officials to assist the affected family members in every way possible.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Abbasi also expressed sadness and regret over the tragedy and the loss of precious lives in the incident.
Spokesperson for the Pakistan Navy said that the naval chief had directed Pakistan Navy’s field command in Karachi to extended its full support in rescue and relief operations.
Four Pakistan Navy fire tenders and relief teams were participating in the rescue operation along with other agencies, the spokesperson added.
Moreover, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qasier also expressed deep regret and sorrow over the loss of lives in the PIA aircraft crash.
“In this difficult hour of grief and sorrow, we share the grief of the victims,” NA speaker said. “May Allah Almighty elevate the ranks of the martyrs and give courage and patience to the bereaved.”
Praying for the bereaved families, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri said that the PIA aircraft crash was a national tragedy.
“The entire nation shares the grief of the affected families,” the deputy speaker said. “We are facing serious challenges. We must show determination and solidarity in this time of trial.”
PIA flight PK8303 had 99 passengers and eight crew members onboard during the time of the incident. The crash caused significant damage in a residential area of Model Colony and reportedly destroyed four houses.
Across the border, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was "deeply saddened" by the loss of lives in the crash. The premier offered condolences to the families of those who died and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
Deeply saddened by the loss of life due to a plane crash in Pakistan. Our condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishing speedy recovery to those injured.
5:54 PM - May 22, 2020
Twitter Ads info and privacy"The news from Pakistan this morning is devastating," wrote Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, adding that Canadians were keeping Pakistanis in their thoughts.
Justin Trudeau
@JustinTrudeau
The news from Pakistan this morning is devastating. To the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash of PK 8303, and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, our hearts go out to you. Canadians are keeping you in our thoughts today.
16.3K
7:21 PM - May 22, 2020
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Afghan President Ashraf Ghani said that his "heart went out" to the families of those who died in the crash. He added that Afghans would stand by Pakistanis in their time of sadness.
Ashraf Ghani
@ashrafghani
My heart goes out to the families of victims who lost their lives in the PIA plane crash in Karachi. I offer my sincere commiserations to the people and the government of Pakistan. Afghans stand with you in this moment of grief.
5:06 PM - May 22, 2020
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A similar message of solidarity was tweeted by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, which said that it stood with the country in its time of sadness.
Chinese Emb Pakistan
@CathayPak
We learned with heavy heart the PIA plane crash close to Karachi Airport. Our hearts go out to all families who lost their loved ones today. We stand with Pakistan in the time of sadness!
4:45 PM - May 22, 2020
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Australia's High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Geoffrey Shaw also tweeted that his "thoughts and prayers" were with the families of those who were on the plane. He added that the Commission was trying to determine whether any Australians were also among the passengers.
Dr Geoffrey Shaw
@AusHCPak
Sad to hear about the tragic @Official_PIA #planecrash in Karachi today. My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of those affected. My team is making urgent inquiries of local authorities to determine whether any Australians were affected
6:25 PM - May 22, 2020
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Veteran Indian politician Rahul Gandhi also offered condolences and expressed the hope that there would be "many miraculous stories of survival".
Rahul Gandhi
@RahulGandhi
I’m sorry to hear about the air crash in Pakistan in which many lives have been lost. News of survivors is a ray of hope & I pray that there are many miraculous stories of survival tonight. My deepest condolences to the families of those who have perished.
6:45 PM - May 22, 2020
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PML-N party chief and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said he was "heartbroken at the loss of lives" in the crash. He revealed that his colleague was also among the passengers of the ill-fated plane and prayed for the recovery of injured people.
Shehbaz Sharif (Stay at home to stay safe)
@CMShehbaz
Heartbroken at the loss of precious human lives in a PIA aircraft crash. May Allah Almighty rest the departed souls in peace & give Sabr to the bereaved families. May those injured recover soon including a very dear colleague of mine. Ameen!
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5:05 PM - May 22, 2020
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Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote that he was "deeply grieved" over the plane crash. He termed the incident a "terrible tragedy" and said that his prayers were with all families.
He added that the nation must show "resolve and unity in times of crisis".
Shah Mahmood Qureshi
@SMQureshiPTI
Deeply grieved over devastating plane crash in res area flying to Khi & mins away from landing with many making way home for Eid. Terrible tragedy, my prayers with all families. We are in midst of grave challenges as a nation & in these times of trial we must show resolve & unity
PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that she was praying for those who lost their lives in the crash, adding that she was with the families in their grief.
She also paid tribute to the pilots and crew members of the plane, saying "they continued to perform their duties till their last breath".
Maryam Nawaz Sharif
@MaryamNSharif
جن کو اللہ تعالی نے اپنی رحمت سے بچا لیا ہے ان کو اللہ تعالی جلد صحت یاب فرمائے. اس موقعے پر پی آئی اے کے عملے کے افراد جو اس جہاز میں موجود تھے ان کو بھی سلام پیش کرتا ہوں جو آخری دم تک اپنا فرض ادا کرتے رہے۔
اللہ تعالی آپ سب کا حامی و ناصر ہو۔ آمین
محمد نواز شریف https://twitter.com/maryamnsharif/status/1263854822660472833 …
Maryam Nawaz Sharif
@MaryamNSharif
میرا دل آج کے سانحے پر بہت غمگین ہے۔جمعتہ الوداع کے دن اس حادثے میں شہید ہونے والوں کے درجات کی بلندی کے لئے دعا گو ہوں۔اپنوں کو کھو دینے والوں کا دکھ بہت بڑا ہے, اللہ تعالی ان کو اس مشکل گھڑی میں صبر عطا کرے, میں ان کے دکھ میں برابر کا شریک ہوں. محمد نواز شریف
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8:32 PM - May 22, 2020
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PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also tweeted that the "loss of precious lives was saddening", not only for him but for the entire country.
PPP
@MediaCellPPP
پی پی پی چیئرمین بلاول بھٹو زرداری کا پی آئِی اے جہاز حادثے پر افسوس کا اظہار
پی پی پی چیئرمین نے متاثرہ خاندانوں سے دلی تعزیت و ہدردی کا اظہار کیا
حادثے میں میں قیمتی جانوں کا ضیاع مجھ سمیت پوری قوم کے لیئے باعث صدمہ ہے: بلاول بھٹو زرداری@BBhuttoZardari
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3:39 PM - May 22, 2020
