Pakistani passenger plane crashes near Karachi airport, casualties feared

Carrying as many as 90 passengers and 8 crew members, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft A320 Airbus on Friday crashed in Model Colony near Jinnah international airport, Karachi.

PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez confirmed the crash and added that PK 8303 was flying from Lahore to Karachi. Director Programming 24 News Ansar Naqvi was among the passengers.

"Saying anything right now would be premature. Our crew is trained to handle emergency landings. All my prayers are with the families. We will continue to provide information in a transparent manner."

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa condoled "loss of precious lives". "[COAS] Shares grief of bereaved families in this difficult time. COAS directed provision of full assistance to civil administration in rescue/ relief effort," said Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

(Source: Dawn)