Pakistan saddened by Air India plane crash

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other political leaders on Thursday expressed their grief over the tragic Air India plane crash that claimed over 200 lives in Ahmedabad, the main city in the Indian state of Gujarat.

In a message posted on X, Shehbaz, “We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heart-breaking tragedy.”

Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.

We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 12, 2025

Similarly, three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif said, “This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity.”

My heartfelt condolences to the families of the precious lives lost in the tragic Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. This devastating loss transcends borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. My deepest sympathies to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India.

— Nawaz Sharif (@NawazSharifMNS) June 12, 2025

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was saddened by the air crash.

Saddened at the crash of Air India flight in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief.

— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) June 12, 2025

Earlier, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed his profound condolences to the people of India.

Saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred earlier today. Where an Air India flight with approximately 240 passengers crashed shortly after takeoff near Ahmedabad, India. I express my profound condolences to the people of India.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 12, 2025

Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, meanwhile, said tragic news was emerging of a devastating plane crash.

Tragic news emerging of a devastating plane crash in Ahmedabad, India. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this heartbreaking time

— Aseefa B Zardari (@AseefaBZ) June 12, 2025

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today,” said Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) June 12, 2025

The Pakistani political leadership joined a long list of world leaders who expressed their heartfelt condolences to the Indian leaders and people.

Read more: Air India plane crash: reactions from across the world

WHAT HAS HAPPENED?

On Thursday afternoon, a London-bound Air India flight crashed near the Ahmedabad airport soon after taking off, as it failed to get the required elevation.

The human loss of life is increased by the fact that the Boeing aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crewmembers, crashed in a populated area.

Meanwhile, the Boeing stocks at one point shed over 8 per cent of value soon after the news of plane crash emerged.

By the time this report was filed, the Boeing share price was down by 4.85 per cent.

Web Desk