Gilani condoles deaths in Mangalore crash

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday expressed his deep shock at the crash of an Air India Express aircraft in Mangalore and conveyed his “deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families”.

In a condolence message to his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh, Gilani said: “I was deeply shocked to learn of the tragic crash of an Air India Express aircraft this morning in Karnataka, resulting in the loss of many precious lives.

“On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I would like to convey our deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families,” Gilani said.

“Please accept, excellency, assurances of my highest considerations,” he added.

At least 159 people were killed when the Air India Express flight from Dubai crashed Saturday while landing at Mangalore airport.