Pakistan expands search for missing cargo plane as rough seas hamper rescue efforts

Pakistan expanded the search for a cargo plane feared to have crashed after losing radar contact en route to Karachi, as rough monsoon seas hampered rescue. The operation was expanded Wednesday by Pakistan’s Navy and civilian authorities, with the flight operating by private carrier K2 Airways reporting a navigational system issue while traveling from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates with five people on board. Officials said the search is ongoing, but there has been no official confirmation of the aircraft’s fate. Pakistani Airports Authority data posted earlier on X indicated the plane made a sharp change in heading and rapidly descended before radar and radio contact were lost at about 9:21 p.m., roughly 155 nautical miles (287 kilometers) west of Karachi. The Pakistan military and civilian agencies activated the Rescue Coordination Center, dispatching a Navy frigate (PNS Zulfiqar), Air Force assets, and an ATR aircraft from Turbat, while a merchant vessel joined the search. Aviation expert Imran Aslam said the cause remains unclear and would require evidence.