Families Cling to Hope as Search Continues for Crew of Crashed Cargo Plane
Adnan Athar
Days after the cargo aircraft crashed into the sea near Karachi, there is still no trace of the crew members on board. At the home of aircraft engineer Arif Siddiqui, grief has taken hold as family members continue to pray for a miracle. More in this report.
Fear of loss and hope for a miracle define the atmosphere at this home in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar, where the family of aircraft engineer Arif Siddiqui anxiously awaits news.
Arif Siddiqui was among the crew aboard the K2 Airways cargo aircraft that crashed on July 7 while flying from Sharjah to Karachi. Since the accident, his family has been living through agonizing uncertainty. His son says his father dedicated his life to the aviation industry, and they never imagined such a tragedy could happen.
Son:
"My father served with PIA for 42 years before retiring. Over the past six years, he worked with different companies and had been with this company for about two to three years. He had attended countless flights throughout his career. This is an unfortunate incident that none of us ever expected."
Arif Siddiqui's elder brother recalls their final conversation and the moments they shared together. He says the entire family is holding on to hope that God will perform a miracle.Tariq Siddiqui, Elder Brother:
"Among all of us brothers, he cared the most for his family and loved everyone selflessly. There is no one quite like him. We are trying to balance the painful reality with hope, and that is not easy."
Relatives, friends, and neighbors continue to visit the family to offer condolences and support. Despite the uncertainty, they say they remain satisfied with the ongoing search and rescue operation and continue to pray for positive news.
Friend and Neighbor:
"We have received reports that some wreckage has been found. We pray that the helicopter searching the area finds something more, and that, by the grace of God, there is a miracle. Aircraft are equipped with safety equipment, so we continue to hope and pray."
A total of five people, including the pilot, co-pilot, and aircraft engineer Arif Siddiqui, were on board the ill-fated cargo aircraft. As each passing day brings more uncertainty, the hope of the five waiting families for the safe return of their loved ones continues to fade.
