PIA starts handing over dead bodies to their family members

KARACHI: After identification of the dead bodies of PIA plane crash Karachi, the process of handing over of bodies on the basis of DNA tests begins, PIA spokesman said on Wednesday.

He said that so far, 47 bodies have been identified out of which 43 have been handed over to the families of deceased for burial.

He said that CEO PIA Air Marshal Arshad Malik is in personal contact with the family members of the deceased and has contacted them.

CEO PIA expressed his condolences with the family members and assured of all possible support and assistance at this time of grief.

CEO PIA also inquired about the assistance being provided by PIA officials and based on the feedback has formed a one window operation for swift coordination between various authorities for speedy identification and handing over of bodies, including issuance of Death Certificates.

PIA spokesman said that on Wednesday 01 body of deceased Khalid Sherdil was handed over for burial.

The airline is making travel arrangements for the family members of the deceased and providing them domestic and international tickets and is arranging transportation of the bodies to their homes.

He said that the process of DNA testing and verification is a lengthy process and requires time. However, PIA and concerned authorities are doing all efforts to hand over the bodies of the deceased to their family members.

PIA spokesman said that an independent inquiry is being conducted by Aircraft Accident Investigation Board and work has already started by the Board.

He said that reaching conclusions based on hearsay and political statements is not only unfair but hurts the sentiments of the families of the deceased, the employees of airline and Pakistani citizens.