Crashed plane was technically sound and cleared for operation, says PIA chief

• An in-depth inspection and a transparent inquiry will be carried out into the incident in which the national carrier and CAA will not be a part: Malik.
• PIA chief says all facts will come to light after the inquiry report and then the compensation package for the victims and their families will be announced.
• Arshad says those who lost their lives in the incident are martyrs.

(Karachi) Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Chief Arshad Malik has said that the crashed plane was technically sound and cleared for operation as it fulfilled all the SOPs. He added that all the certification of the aircraft were complete and nothing was missing.

Addressing a press conference over the plane crash incident in Karachi on Friday, he said an in-depth inspection and a transparent inquiry will be carried out into the incident in which the national carrier and Civil Aviation Authority will not be a part.

He said that all facts will come to light after the inquiry report and then the compensation package for the victims and their families will be announced. "A transparent inquiry will be conducted and true information will be given to heirs of the victims," Malik mentioned.

He maintained those who lost their lives in the incident are martyrs. "I condole with the families of the victims and pray that Allah gives them courage to bear the tragic loss," he said. He said that hotels at the airport have been allotted to facilitate those affected in the incident.

To a question by media persons, the PIA chief said that as the investigation into the incident is under way so we do not have much information over the matter. However, facts will come into light after the inquiry is completed.

Arshad Malik pointed out that all the pilots and crew members of PIA are qualified and possess technical knowledge. He said the plane crashed the second time when it tried to land.

He stated that 19 victims were shifted to Jinnah Hospital while 22 others were transported to different medical facilities.

Read plane crash story here:

https://www.brecorder.com/2020/05/22/599754/pia-plane-crashes-near-karachis-model-colony-area/