The nasheed artist and businessman Junaid Jamshed is feared dead as he was one of the 47 passengers on board the Islamabad-bound flight that crashed near Havelian in Pakistan today.
Jamshed’s brother confirmed that he was on board the flight along with his wife, and their names appeared on the passenger list.
The nasheed artist, 52, travels extensively for preaching purposes and was already in Chitral for preaching-related work. He is also a familiar figure among British Muslims and frequently visits this country.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan also expressed his condolence over the tragic crash in a tweet on social media platform Twitter.
After graduating with a degree in engineering, Jamshed briefly worked as a civilian contractor and engineer for the Pakistan Air Force before focusing on a musical career.
He first gained nationwide prominence and international recognition as group Vital Signs vocalist in 1987. But in 2004, Jamshed left both his engineering and music careers and, since then, has focused on his religious activities and reciting nasheeds on TV and releasing them on CD’s.
A Pakistan International Airlines passenger plane flying from Chitral crashed on its flight to Islamabad, officials said.
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According Civil Aviation Authority sources, the ATR-42 plane with 47 passengers went missing from the radar near Havelian while it was on its way to Islamabad.
Eyewitnesses said they had seen a plane crash in a hilly area near Havelian, near the Ordinance factory. Clouds of smoke could be seen rising from the area of the reported crash.
Ground rescue teams had been sent to the area, sources said.
Maulana Sohail Bawa, of the London-based Wifaqul Ulama, offered his condolences for the passing away of Junaid Jamshed.
He said: “Junaid Jamshed was a dear friend of mine and a close associate for a number of years. He was with us just recently in London, at my home. I am struck with grief and saddened beyond our words at the passing away of my friend. When I heard the news of the plane gone missing I was apprehensive but my feelings turned to anguish when it was confirmed that my friend was on board.
“At this time I don’t have the words to express my emotions but I would like Wifaqul Ulama to request all Muslims in the country to pray for everyone who has passed away in this tragedy. May Allah Ta’ala forgive the sins of everyone, grant them entry into Jannatul-Firdaus and grant patience to their families. I request special Dua for my friend who is no longer with us.”
