Pakistan PM says missing cargo plane crashed into sea, search and rescue efforts ongoing

(Taipei, July 8) -- A Pakistani Boeing cargo plane went missing off the southern coast last night. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated today that the cargo plane has crashed into the Arabian Sea, with a total of 5 crew members on board. Relevant authorities are continuing search and rescue operations.

According to Agence France-Presse, the Pakistan Airports Authority posted on social media platform X that the cargo plane took off from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Last night, as it approached its destination, Karachi, it reported an anomaly in its navigation system, after which radar showed the plane's altitude "plummeting."

The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement today expressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's deep sorrow over the crash of the private K2 Airways cargo plane into the Arabian Sea. He also extended condolences to the families of the 5 crew members and instructed the Civil Aviation Authority, Navy, and Air Force to utilize all available resources to intensify search and rescue efforts.

A source familiar with the matter told Agence France-Presse that naval vessels and merchant ships, supported by military aircraft, are jointly searching for the missing cargo plane.

Pakistan has a poor aviation safety record, with several major fatal air crashes in the past decade, including in the southern city of Karachi. The European Union (EU) had previously banned Pakistan's state-owned airline from flying into EU airspace for 4 years due to safety and licensing concerns. However, the EU lifted this ban in 2024. (Intern Editor: Tsai Ya-jung / Editor: Liu Shu-chin) 1150708

Choose to stand with the facts. Every contribution you make is a force to protect press freedom.

Download the CNA "First-Hand News" APP to get the latest news in real-time.

No part of this website's text, images, or videos may be reproduced, broadcast, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.