KARACHI: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) strongly rebutted the media reports that the ATR-42 aircraft – that crashed on December 7 – had some known defect prior to take off. “These reports are mere speculations which may mislead the public into drawing wrong conclusion. Fact of the matter is that both engines of the aircraft were fully operational at the time of take-off from Chitral and the problem developed during flight,” PIA Spokesman DanyalGilani said in a statement. The whole incident is being thoroughly investigated by Safety Investigation Board (SIB) – an independent body working under the Aviation Division. “The public should rest assured that the SIB is under direct instructions from Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif that a detailed, independent and transparent inquiry be carried out and truth should be brought out to light – in the shortest possible time,” Gilani said. He further said that the media is, therefore, requested to wait till completion of the investigation process and avoid drawing any premature conclusions.