Search underway after cargo plane disappears near Karachi

 The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) reported that the K2 Airways cargo flight KTA-1732 was operating from Sharjah to Karachi when the crew alerted air traffic controllers to a navigation system problem at 9:18pm on Tuesday, requesting immediate support.

Air traffic controllers at the Karachi Area Control Centre immediately provided navigational assistance following the disappearance.

However, moments later, radar data showed the aircraft suddenly descending and redirecting from its actual flight path.

At 9:21pm, while the plane was about 155 nautical miles west of Karachi all communication and radar tracking ceased.

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 Early indications suggest the aircraft may have crashed into the Arabian Sea. The missing aircraft has been identified as a Boeing 737-300 with registration AP-BOI, carrying five crew members.

Authorities initiated the Rescue Coordination Centre, which launched an extensive search and rescue operation involving multiple military and civilian organizations the moment the contact was lost.

The Pakistan Navy dispatched the warship PNS Zulfiqar to the suspected crash site to support the mission

The Pakistan Air Force also deployed a Saab aircraft from Bholari Air Base, while the Pakistan Navy launched an ATR aircraft from Turbat to conduct aerial search operations over the area.

Additionally, to assist maritime search teams in locating the aircraft, the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) sent its merchant vessel Lahore.

Officials said investigators will determine the cause of the incident after completing a formal inquiry. Meanwhile, search teams remain engaged in efforts to trace the missing cargo plane and recover its five crew members.