Pakistan 'saddened' by deadly plane crash in India

Gulf Today Report

Leaders from Pakistan expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of at least 242 lives in the tragic plane crash incident in  Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday.

Minutes after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the London-bound Air India flight 171 crashed with 242 on board.

Reacting to the plane crash indecent, Prime Minister Shahbaz said: “Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.”

He added: We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday he was "saddened" by a plane crash in neighbouring India, where all 242 people on board an Air India flight are believed killed.

"Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief," Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said on social media platform X.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also offered condolences on Air India crash tragedy.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," he said.   The defence minister said, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected." 

Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said he was “saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred”, mentioning the Air India crash. “I express my profound condolences to the people of India,” he said on X.

Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nawaz Sharif offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash.

In his message, he wrote that the devastating tragedy goes beyond borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. He extended his deep sympathy to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, saying that his thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families.   Sharif's message struck a note of compassion and unity, highlighting how such incidents touch hearts on both sides of the border.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) also extended condolences to the families of all those who lost loved ones in the crash.

Taking to X, the spokesperson said: Our hearts go out to the families & loved ones affected by today's tragic crash. At #PIA, we stand in solidarity with our fellow aviation community, offering our deepest condolences to Flight 171 and all those impacted.”