KARACHI, April 21: President Asif Ali Zardari asked Defence Minister Ahmad Mukhtar on Saturday to ensure at the earliest a comprehensive inquiry into the reasons that led to the crash of a Bhoja Air flight, to avoid recurrence of such tragedies in future.

Mr Zardari called Mr Mukhtar to inquire about the progress in the help being provided to grieving families, adding that they should be provided all facilities for transportation of bodies to their places.

Expressing grief over the incident, the president prayed to the Almighty to grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude.—APP

Our Reporter adds: On the directives of President Zardari, all measures are being taken for an early completion of the inquiry into the air crash, Sindh Information Minister Shazia Marri said at the Jinnah International Airport on Saturday.

“It is inappropriate to draw conclusion regarding the cause of Bhoja plane crash. It is best to wait for the inquiry report,” the minister said.

The report of the inquiry into the Air Blue plane crash of July 2010 got delayed because of a belated recovery of the black box whereas in the present instance, the black box was found soon after the tragedy, she added.

She said President Zardari had directed PIA to ensure transportation of bodies from Islamabad free of charge and no “negligence or failure” would be tolerated.

Ms Marri said although death was inevitable private airlines could not be absolved of their responsibility and must be made accountable for any lapse in safety measures and handling of such a catastrophe.