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Pan Am Hijacking Sparks Dispute Over Pakistan’s Response

Pan Am Hijacking Sparks Dispute Over Pakistan’s Response
40 years ago September 7, 1986: Pan Am aircraft hijack · indianexpress.com

Terrorists took control of a Pan Am airplane at Karachi airport.

The hijacking caused many deaths and injuries.

Reports said 16 people were killed.

Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi questioned who was responsible and criticized Pakistan’s handling of the crisis.

Pan American said Pakistani airport security had failed.

United States President Ronald Reagan praised Pakistan for ending the incident.

Neerja Mishra, a flight purser from India, was reportedly killed before commandos entered the plane.

Her body was being sent to Bombay, and she was due to turn 23 on September 7.

Key facts

Incident
Hijacking of a Pan Am jumbo jet
Location
Karachi airport, Pakistan
Reported deaths
16 people
Other casualties
Several people were injured
Indian flight purser
Neerja Mishra was reportedly killed before commandos entered the aircraft
Airline’s position
Pan American blamed Pakistani officials for allowing terrorists to penetrate the airport perimeter
United States position
President Ronald Reagan praised Pakistan’s response as bold, decisive, and exemplary

Sources

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