PM orders inquiry

Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered immediate inquiry into the crash of Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, resulting in loss of several lives on Friday.

"Shocked and saddened by the PIA crash...immediate inquiry will be instituted," he said in a tweet after the A-320 passenger plane of national flag career from Lahore en route Karachi crashed Friday afternoon.

The premier said he was in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik and also with the rescue and relief teams on ground. He expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the air crash.

"Prayers and condolences go to families of deceased," he added. Meanwhile, expressing his condolences, Chief of the Army Staff Gen 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. Federal Interior Minister Ejaz Ahmed also expressed regret and condolences to the grieving family members of the 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 political figures who expressed his condolences to the bereaved family members. He urged the Sindh government and party officials to assist the affected families 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 the naval chief had directed Pakistan Navy's field command in Karachi to extend its full support in rescue and relief operations. Four Navy fire tenders and relief teams were participating in the rescue operation along with other agencies, the spokesperson added.

Moreover, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser 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. Praying for the bereaved families, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri said the PIA aircraft crash was a national tragedy. "The entire nation shares the grief of the affected families," the deputy speaker said. The 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.