Pakistan's Navy and civilian authorities have broadened the search for a cargo plane that vanished from radar and lost contact with air traffic control while flying to the southern port city of Karachi. The aircraft, operated by the private carrier K2 Airways, reportedly experienced a navigational system issue on its journey from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
Three officials familiar with the rescue operation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, confirmed the ongoing search. They indicated that the vast search area in the Arabian Sea and challenging monsoon conditions are significantly hampering rescue efforts.
K2 Airways stated that search and rescue operations are underway and that the company is cooperating fully with aviation authorities. The airline expressed its prayers for the safety of its colleagues.
According to Pakistan's Airports Authority, radar data indicated the aircraft made a sharp change in its heading and rapidly descended before contact was lost at approximately 9:21 p.m. local time. This occurred about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi.
Following the disappearance, Pakistan's military and civilian agencies activated the Rescue Coordination Center to initiate sea-based search and rescue operations. The Pakistan Navy dispatched the frigate PNS Zulfiqar to the last known location of the aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force deployed aircraft, and a Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft departed from Turbat to assist. A merchant vessel from the Pakistan National Shipping Corp. has also joined the operation.
Aviation expert Imran Aslam told local broadcaster ARY News that the exact cause of the disappearance remains unclear. He noted that even in cases of engine failure, aircraft typically glide rather than experience a sudden plunge, suggesting that further evidence is needed for investigators to determine the precise cause.
This incident recalls the May 2020 crash of a Pakistan International Airlines flight near Karachi airport, which killed 99 people on board. A subsequent government investigation attributed that crash to human error by pilots and air traffic controllers.