'Just heard the devastating news' - Imran Khan, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Hafeez react after PIA passenger plane crashes in Karachi

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) passenger plane, on Friday, crashed near the Jinnah International Airport much prior to its scheduled landing. The flight was about to land in Karachi when the crash happened at the Jinnah Garden area which is close to Model Colony in Malir.

The plane was reportedly carrying around 99 passengers and eight crew and was flying from Lahore to Jinnah International Airport before the incident took place.

The news of this devastating crash spread like wildfire on Twitter as entire Pakistan was left stunned by the incident. People started sharing their condolences after the crash and mourned the loss of lives.

Former Pakistan speedster also offered his condolences and prayed for the families of victims. The ‘Rawalpindi Express’ condoled the deaths of his fellow countrymen, victims of the plane crash and offered his prayers to those affected in his tweet.

“Just heard the devastating news of PIA plane crash. May Allah bless every soul we lost in this. It was flying Lahore to Karachi & crashed just before landing. Inna lillahi wa inna elaihi rajaoon,” Akhtar wrote in his tweet.

Just heard the devastating news of PIA plane crash. May Allah bless every soul we lost in this.
It was flying Lahore to Karachi & crashed just before landing.
Inna lillahi wa inna elaihi rajaoon.#PIAplanecrash

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 22, 2020

Along with Akhtar, many Pakistan cricketers expressed their grief over the incident and mourned the loss of lives. Mohammad Hafeez also shared his condolences to all the affected families.

Saddened to hear the news about #PIAPlaneCrash in karachi, condolences to all families 🤲🏼

— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) May 22, 2020

‘May Allah bless every soul’: Mohammad Yousuf

Former Pakistan international Mohammad Yousuf also lamented the loss of lives after he was left shocked by this devastating news. “Just heard the devastating news of PIA #planecrash. May Allah bless every soul we lost in this,” wrote Yousuf.

Just heard the devastating news of PIA #planecrash . May Allah bless every soul we lost in this 💔😪
انا للہ وانا الیہ راجعون

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) May 22, 2020

Former Pakistan skipper and current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan also offered his prayers and condolences to families of the deceased. He assured the citizens that an immediate inquiry will be instituted over the crash.

“Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on the ground as this is the priority right now. The immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased,” tweeted the Pakistan PM.

Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash. Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi & with the rescue & relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 22, 2020

A lot of cricketers joined in for sharing condolences. Pakistan’s newly-appointed ODI skipper, Babar Azam also expressed grief over the tragic incident and prayed for the victims and their families.

Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram also expressed his shock and grief and said that it was one of those events which he never thought to witness. Ramiz Raja also shared that his heart is weeping for the souls who lost their lives in the crash.

A National tragedy, one of which I never thought I would witness. My family & I pray survivors of the plane and the houses below and for the families directly affected by this tragic event. I also grieve with my county as we watch such tragic scenes unfold before our eyes.

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) May 22, 2020

Extremely shocked and saddened to hear the news of the PIA plane crash in Karachi. My sincere condolences are with the families of the passengers & crew staff.
May allah bless departed souls Ameen.

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) May 22, 2020

Heart weeps for the souls lost in the plane crash at Karachi airport. How many more lives do we have to sacrifice to satiate 2020’s killing urge! Want this year to end today!!

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) May 22, 2020

This #PlaneCrash news is quite devastating. My heart & prayers goes out to those we have lost in this tragic accident. May Allah SWT elevate their ranks and give Sabre Jameel to their families & loved ones. Indeed we all belong to Allah SWT and to Him we all shall return.

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) May 22, 2020