Search operation continues for missing Cargo Plane off Karachi Coast

KARACHI – Search and rescue operations are continuing for a missing private cargo aircraft off the Karachi coast after contact with the plane was lost during its flight from Sharjah to Karachi.

According to officials, the cargo aircraft carrying five crew members went missing approximately 155 nautical miles west of Karachi after losing communication while travelling toward its destination.

Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Air Force, and maritime vessels are participating in the ongoing search operation, with aerial and naval resources deployed to locate the missing aircraft.

The Pakistan Navy has dispatched warship PNS Zulfiqar to join the rescue efforts, while a Pakistan Air Force Saab surveillance aircraft is also taking part in the search. A Navy ATR aircraft has also been deployed from Turbat to assist with aerial monitoring of the area.

Sources said PNS Hunain has also been sent to the affected region to support the search and rescue operation.

The cargo company stated that the aircraft was flying from Sharjah to Karachi when contact with air traffic control was lost at 9:21 pm. The company identified the five crew members onboard as pilot Muhammad Rizwan Idris, first officer Faisal Mehmood, loadmaster Muhammad Taufiq, engineer Arif Siddiqui, and Muhammad Hamid.

Following the incident, the cargo company’s office at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport was sealed to preserve official records and assist with the investigation process.

Flight tracking data showed that the aircraft, operating as flight TA1732, was cruising at an altitude of around 35,000 feet before experiencing an unexpected situation. The aircraft reportedly made a sudden U-turn before entering a rapid descent.

According to available flight data, the aircraft lost approximately 34,000 feet of altitude within a short period, eventually descending to around 1,100 feet before disappearing from radar.

Officials said the pilot did not issue a Mayday distress call before communication was lost. Aviation authorities are examining all available information to determine the cause of the incident and understand the final moments of the flight.

Search teams remain engaged in efforts to locate the aircraft and determine the condition of the crew members as the operation continues off the Karachi coastline.

The incident has prompted a coordinated response from aviation and security agencies, with authorities using all available resources to trace the missing aircraft and complete the rescue mission.