Speaking at a news conference at the press club in Chitral, people from various walks of life, including lawyers, thanked the prime minister for ordering an inquiry into the incident, but insisted that the inquiry should identify everyone guilty of negligence in the air crash. Everyone found guilty should be brought to justice, they said.
A passenger, who flew in PK-660 from Peshawar to Chitral in a similar aircraft, stated that he feared for his life every time the aircraft encountered turbulence and faults in the aircraft’s left engine were detectable, adding that the plane lost balance a couple of times during the journey.
The Chitral residents also called for enhancing the compensation money to at least Rs10 million.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered at the PIA Square and shouted slogans against the airline management.
Laid to rest
Mortal remains of two persons from Chitral who died in the air crash on Wednesday were laid to rest in their home villages on Friday.
Funeral prayers for Haji Muhammad Takbeer Khan and Haji Muhammad Nawaz were offered by thousands of people from across the district.
Kabir Khan, a local trader, was laid to rest in the Bakar Abad village. Haji Muhammad Nawaz was buried in Guldor village. Commandant of the Chital Scouts Nizamuddin Shah expressed condolences with both the bereaved families.
The PIA plane was flying from Chitral to Islamabad when it crashed on Wednesday in a mountainous area near Abbottabad.
On the third day of the tragedy, Chitral is still gripped by grief and sorrow. Quran Khawanis were held for the departed souls in local mosques, the headquarters of the Chitral Scouts, District Police Lines, Shahi Bazaar and a number of religious seminaries.
Meanwhile, rich tributes were paid to the late Deputy Commissioner of Chitral, Osama Ahmad Warraich, who also died in the air crash.
The condolence gathering was arranged at the Peshawar Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, which was also attended by DC Riaz Khan Mehsood.
Mehsood praised Warraich and said he was an honest and brave officer who had never compromised on the rule of law. “The deceased DC was applauded and respected everywhere he served.”
He pointed out that the young officer had earlier served in Peshawar and was keen to initiate new projects in the best public interest. He said that Warraich’s honest efforts to clear encroachments from the city would always be remembered.
According to the DC Peshawar, Warraich had also earned laurels even when he was alive, adding that he always served with full spirit and enthusiasm.
Thirty-one-year-old Warraich’s wife and his only daughter also died in the plane crash.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 10th, 2016.
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