PM Orders Intensified Search for Missing Cargo Plane Off Karachi Coast

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed civil aviation and military authorities to intensify search and rescue operations for a cargo aircraft that disappeared over the Arabian Sea with five crew members on board while flying from Sharjah to Karachi.

The missing aircraft, a Boeing 737-400 freighter operated by Karachi-based K2 Airways, lost contact with air traffic control late Tuesday after reporting a navigation system malfunction, triggering a large-scale rescue effort involving multiple government agencies.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sharif instructed the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force to deploy all available resources to locate the aircraft and its crew as quickly as possible.

The prime minister also expressed sorrow over the incident and extended his sympathies to the families of the five crew members aboard the flight.

K2 Airways, a private Pakistani cargo airline providing domestic and international freight services, confirmed the identities of the five crew members in a statement posted on its official Facebook page. The airline said it was praying for their safe recovery and was working closely with government authorities throughout the investigation and search operation.

“K2 Airways is fully cooperating with the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other government agencies,” the airline said.

The Pakistan Airports Authority said the cargo aircraft reported a navigation system problem at 9:18 p.m. Pakistan time while approaching Karachi. Air traffic controllers at the Karachi Area Control Center immediately provided navigational assistance in an effort to guide the aircraft safely.

Three minutes later, at approximately 9:21 p.m., radar data showed the aircraft descending rapidly while making a sharp change in direction. Moments afterward, both radar and radio contact were lost approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi over the Arabian Sea.

The authority said a coordinated search and rescue operation was launched immediately after communication with the aircraft ceased.

The mission involves assets from several agencies, including the Pakistan Navy frigate PNS Zulfiqar, Pakistan Air Force aircraft, a Pakistan Navy ATR surveillance aircraft operating from Turbat, and the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation merchant vessel Lahore. Authorities have also coordinated efforts across maritime and aviation agencies to expand the search area.

Officials have not determined what caused the aircraft to disappear. Investigators are expected to examine all possible factors, including the reported navigation system malfunction, once more information becomes available.

No debris or signs of the aircraft had been located by the time of publication, and authorities had not announced any breakthrough in the search.

The disappearance has raised concern within Pakistan’s aviation sector as rescue teams continue combing the Arabian Sea in hopes of locating the aircraft and its crew. Officials said search operations will continue until further information is obtained.