Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane crashes in Karachi
A Pakistan International Airlines plane has crashed on a flight from Lahore to Karachi, aviation officials say.
Flight PK8303, with about 91 passengers and eight crew aboard, was flying from Lahore to Jinnah International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Pakistan.
The pictures showed a scene of devastation in a residential area of Model Colony.
Emergency services have arrived. No casualties have been reported so far, but many are feared dead.
The plane, an Airbus A320, was to land near Jinnah International Airport near Karachi's neighboring Model Colony, northeast of Karachi.2 kilometers (two miles) northeast.
The Pakistani military said troops from its rapid reaction force had arrived at the crash site to help with rescue efforts.
The cause of the accident could not be confirmed. PIA chief executive Air Vice Marshal Arshad Malik said the pilot had told traffic control that the plane was facing technical difficulties.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was "shocked and saddened" by the crash, which promised an immediate investigation.
The crash comes just days after the country began allowing resumption of commercial flights after the coronavirus lockdown.
Pakistanis across the country are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan, with many returning to their homes in cities and villages.
What is the security record of Pakistan?
Pakistan has a record of aviation safety safety, including a number of plane crashes.
In 2010, a plane operated by private airline Airblue crashed near Islamabad, killing 152 people in the morning - the worst air disaster in Pakistan's history.
In 2013, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Pakistan's Bhoja Air crashed on bad landing in Rawalpindi, killing all 121 passengers and six crew.
And in 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane en route from north Pakistan to Islamabad exploded in flames, killing 47 people.
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