KARACHI: K2 Airways has confirmed that one of its Boeing 737 cargo aircraft lost contact with air traffic control while operating a flight from Sharjah to Karachi on Wednesday night.
In a statement, the airline said communication with the aircraft, registered as AP-BOI, was lost at 9:21 pm while it was en route to Karachi.
The airline identified the five crew members on board as Captain Muhammad Rizwan, First Officer Faisal Mahmood, Loadmaster Muhammad Toufiq Khan, Engineer Arif Siddiqui and Muhammad Hamid.
K2 Airways said search and rescue operations are underway and that it is fully cooperating with the relevant aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority, to assist in the ongoing response.
The airline added that further updates will be issued as additional information becomes available.
Pakistan Navy and Air Force Expand Rescue Mission
According to sources, the Pakistan Navy has deployed the warships PNS Zulfiqar and PNS Hunain to the search area in the Arabian Sea.
A Pakistan Air Force Saab surveillance aircraft is participating in the aerial search, while a Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft has departed from Turbat to support the operation.
The Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has also dispatched its merchant vessel Lahore to assist with search and rescue efforts.
Authorities continue to search the designated area as military and civilian resources work together to locate the missing aircraft and its crew. No official information regarding the aircraft’s location or the condition of those on board has been released so far.
