PTI govt fully focused on relief activities, says info minister

Prime Minister Imran Khan is in contact with the Sindh govt, CAA, says Shibli Faraz

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information Shibli Faraz on Saturday said the federal government is fully focusing on a relief operation started in the wake of a plane crash in Karachi and is in contact with the Sindh government to ensure speedy rescue activities.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft, flying from Lahore to Karachi, crashed near the port city’s airport in the densely populated area of Model Colony on Friday.

PIA flight PK8303 had 99 passengers and eight crew members on board during the time of the incident. The crash caused significant damage in the residential area and reportedly destroyed four houses.

“The government is fully focusing on relief and rescue operations. This is a highly tragic and sad incident before Eidul Fitr and all prayers of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government are with the passengers, crew members, and families of victims in this hour of grief,” the minister said.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan is also in contact with the Sindh government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and giving necessary directions in this regard.

“An information desk has been established to contact with families of the passengers on board the fateful plane and provide the required information. “

He said the incumbent government is also taking concrete measures to facilitate the marginalized segments of the society in the wake of COVID -19 pandemic.

Faraz said Prime Minister Imran Khan directed authorities to ease the lockdown only to facilitate the downtrodden people of the country. It is now the 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 the virus.  Pakistan is a developing country and cannot afford ceasing economic activities for a long period of time,” he said.

(With additional input from APP.)