Daily Times

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shibli Faraz on Saturday said federal government is in contact with the Sind government to ensure all-out efforts in speedy rescue operation. The government is fully focusing on relief and rescue operations in the crash incident, he said.

“This is highly tragic and sad incident before Eid-ul-Fitr and all prayers of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government are with the passengers, crew members, families of victims at this hour of grief,” the minister said. “Prime Minister Imran Khan is also in contact with the Sindh Government and Civil Aviation Authority and giving necessary directions in this regard,” he said, adding that an information desk has been established to have a contact with families of the passengers on board the plane and provide them required information.

He said that the incumbent government is also taking concrete measures to facilitate the marginalized segments of the society in wake of Covid-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to ease the lockdown only to facilitate the downtrodden resourced people of the country, he further said. “It is now responsibility of the people to observe all precautionary measures to stay safe. I appeal to the people to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) properly to contain the spread of virus,” he further said, adding that Pakistan is a developing country and cannot afford ceasing of economic activities for a long period of time.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday that the entire nation mourns over loss of precious human lives in Karachi plane crash. It is tragic incident as most of the passengers who embraced martyrdom were on their way to home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with their families, he said.

Talking to a private news channel, he said it is top priority of the government to provide best medical facilities to the survivors. He said rescue activities are underway and relevant authorities are performing their duties vigilantly.

The Minister said Pakistan International Airline (PIA) was in a miserable condition during the tenure of previous governments, while the incumbent government took corrective measures for the betterment of the institution. He further said PIA is a national airline and there is always space for further improvement.