Minister for Aviation, Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan has expressed condolences to the family members of the passengers of the PIA flight PK-8303 which crashed near Jinnah International Airport Karachi. He chaired a senior level meeting which was attended by Secretary Aviation Mr Hassan Nasir Jamy and senior officers of the Aviation Division. The meeting was also attended by senior management of PIA and the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority via video link from Karachi.
2. Mr Hassan Nasir Jamy, Secretary Aviation briefed the Minister about the details of the tragic incident received so far. He also briefed the Minister that Aircraft Accident Investigation Board was being tasked to carry out the aircraft accident investigation. Air Marshal Arshad Malik, CEO PIA also briefed the meeting regarding the tragic incident. He explained that Captain Sajjad Gull was senior most A320 pilot with extensive flight experience. The aircraft involved in crash was 16 years old and was in very good condition. It joined the PIA fleet on dry lease six years ago. It underwent its major A-check in March 2020. The aircraft carried out eight flights since 21st March, 2020 when the domestic and international flights were suspended in view of efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.
3. Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan directed that the Aircraft Investigation Committee be constituted on most immediate basis. Immediately thereafter, an Investigation Team headed Air Commodore Usman Ghani, President Aircraft Accident Investigation Board was constituted with the approval of the Federal Government. Minister for Aviation further directed that the Investigation Team may submit its preliminary findings within one month. He directed that five family members of each passenger may be provided air tickets to reach Karachi. CEO PIA informed that Airport Hotel shall be available for stay of the family members of the passengers of the ill-fated aircraft. Minister for Aviation directed that insurance compensation be paid to the next of kin on most immediate basis.
4. Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Aviation will visit Karachi on 23rd May, 2020 in order to have detailed meeting with the Civil Aviation Authority and the PIA Management. He will meet the families of the passengers. He will also visit the crash site and meet the residents of the houses damaged by the aircraft crash. He will also hold a Press Conference at Karachi on the same date.
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