Following the devastating plane crash of Air India flight 171 near Ahmedabad, India, which claimed the lives of all 242 people on board, leaders from Pakistan and across the globe have expressed their condolences and shared their grief.
The London-bound flight crashed shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The aircraft, destined for Gatwick Airport just south of London, went down in a residential area, impacting a medical college hostel during lunchtime. Tragically, reports indicate no survivors.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his sorrow, stating he was “saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today,” offering condolences to the grieving families. Federal Minister for Defence Khwaja Asif echoed this sentiment, expressing deep sadness and extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also shared his grief, offering his “profound condolences to the people of India.” Similarly, three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his “heartfelt condolences” and acknowledged the tragedy transcended borders. A PIA spokesperson also conveyed their deepest sympathies to the families and the aviation community.
The outpouring of support and sympathy extended beyond Pakistan. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the tragedy as “heartbreaking beyond words” and assured assistance to those affected. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his devastation at the news of the London-bound plane crash, particularly concerning given that many British nationals were on board, as did King Charles who extended his and his wife’s sympathy to all who were affected and waiting for news. Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus conveyed his deepest condolences and offered support to India. EU President Ursula Von Der Leyen expressed solidarity with India, while Russian President Vladimir Putin offered his deep condolences and support to the victims’ families. French President Emmanuel Macron also extended his heartfelt thoughts to the victims’ loved ones and Prime Minister Modi.