India expresses grief over air crash in Pakistan

New Delhi, July 28 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna has condoled the unfortunate loss of innocent lives in the tragic plane crash today, near Islamabad in Pakistan.

The aircraft of the private airlines Air Blue, flying from Karachi to Islamabad, hit the Margalla Hills near the Daman-e-Kohiewpoint.

There were 150 people on board but no survivor was found.

According to media reports, over 100 bodies have been recovered and rescue work is still going on.

In a message to his Pakistan counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Krishna conveyed his deep condolences on behalf of the people and Government of India to the people and Government of Pakistan, especially to the bereaved families, said a MEA statement.

Civil aviation officials said the aircraft disappeared from radar screens shortly before the crash was reported.

Heavy rains have hit Islamabad for the past few days and fog and low-lying clouds covered the city.

Pakistan declared a day of national mourning and called off a cabinet meeting as Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani "expressed grief" over the "tragic incident" and offered prayers for those who had been killed. (ANI)