JUST a few days after Pakistan resumed domestic flight operations, we had this PIA plane crash in Karachi. The flight was coming from Lahore to Karachi when it crashed in residential area of Model Colony.

Pakistan, like other countries, had suspended its domestic and international flight operations owing to Covid-19. Now the most important question is: who gave this aircraft a go-ahead before this tragic incident.

Was there any maintenance of the aircraft during the suspension of flights? Did the authorities give clearance to the aircraft without testing them?

All these questions, I guess, will remain unanswered just like the previous incidents in Pakistan.

Maria Nissar
Karachi

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THE unfortunate PIA plane flying from Lahore to Karachi carrying 99 passengers and crew developed technical fault before landing and crashed in a residential area of Model Town in Karachi.

The national flag carrier resumed flights after a hiatus of nearly two months. PIA has just over 30 operational planes, a very small number compared to other international airlines.

Sadly, every time we have an air crash, the facts remain shrouded in mystery after the accidents. Many times questions have been raised by various stakeholders about the fitness of these planes.

The performance of PIA is no secret as the airline has not furnished its financial reports to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan for the last two years. Moreover, bailout packages have been given to PIA every now and then.

Risking the lives of crew and passengers is a criminal act and must be avoided in all circumstances. The ethos of working in the airline must be changed and the safety first principle should be applied. Commiserations with the bereaved families.

I. Mirza
Islamabad

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FRIDAY’s PIA plane crash in Karachi’s Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport has shocked all of us and has raised the question about the fitness of the crashed aircraft.

The pilot in one of his last messages to control tower can be heard saying: “We are proceeding direct, sir — we have lost engine.”

Whoever gave fitness clearance to the aircraft should be brought to book. All technical staff involved in its maintenance before its departure from Lahore should be questioned so that truth comes out.

Imram Kham Bughio
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2020