Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'shocked' by PIA plane crash in Karachi

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed his sadness over the tragic Pakistan International Airlines plane crash in Karachi on Friday.

In a tweet posted shortly after the crash, the PM said he was 'shocked and saddened' to hear about the crash. He has called for an immediate inquiry into the incident:

"Shocked and saddened by the PIA crash. Am 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. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers and condolences go to families of the deceased'

Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.

- Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 22, 2020

Earlier today, a PIA aircraft with 99 passengers and eight crew members on board crashed on Friday in a residential area of the southern Pakistani city of Karachi, officials said.

Rescue teams, including army helicopters and personnel have been dispatched to facilitate the rescue mission.

Pakistan resumed domestic flights between major cities for the first time in nearly two months on Saturday with the requirement that face masks be worn and vacant seats left between passengers, officials said.

International flights will remain suspended till May 31.

The flights were resumed in time for Eid Al Fitr.