Georgian Gov’t offers condolences after Pakistan plane crash

The Government of Georgia has expressed deep condolences to Pakistan following yesterday’s plane crash, which killed all 48 people on board.

The Pakistan International Airways flight was travelling on a domestic route when it crashed in the country's north yesterday afternoon.

There were 42 passengers, five crew members and one ground engineer on board, the airline confirmed.

Famous pop singer-turned Islamic preacher Junaid Jamshed was among the victims, along with three foreigners - two Austrians and one Chinese citizen - reported BBC.

Georgia offered words of sympathy regarding the crash.

Let me express my deep sorrow about the plane crash in Pakistan. I express deep condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Pakistan and the country's government. I wish for them to stand strong in this moment of grief,” said Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili. 

Flight PK-661 was flying from Chitral to capital Islamabad.

Pakistani authorities said an investigation would be launched to determine the cause of the crash however apparent engine issues will be a focus of inquiries.

Irfan Elahi, from Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority, told Dawn newspaper: "At the moment, there is no other reason for the plane crash other than the failure of the left engine."

The plane came down in the Havelian area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, about 70km from Islamabad.