World, national leaders shocked over plane tragedy.

Byline: Imran Ayub

KARACHI -- Minutes after the news of the PIA plane crash in Karachi hit the headlines, condolence messages from international to national leaders and senior politicians and sports celebrities to showbiz stars started pouring in over social media, sharing grief with the families of the victims and prayers for the injured.

Prime Minister Imran Khan took to social media and shared his thoughts over the tragic incident.

'Shocked and saddened by the PIA crash,' he tweeted. 'Am in touch with PIA CEO Arshad Malik, who has left for Karachi and with the rescue and relief teams on ground as this is the priority right now. Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers and condolences go to families of the deceased.'

Seen as a goodwill gesture, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims.

'Deeply saddened by the loss of life due to a plane crash in Pakistan. Our condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishing speedy recovery to those injured,' tweeted PM Modi.

Another prominent leader of the neighbouring country and president of the opposition Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi, also offered his condolences and expressed his feelings over the tragic incident.

Modi, Rahul, Ghani, Trudeau, others offer condolences; Imran expresses gratitude for their messages

'I'm sorry to hear about the air crash in Pakistan in which many lives have been lost. News of survivors is a ray of hope and I pray that there are many miraculous stories of survival tonight. My deepest condolences to the families of those who have perished,' he said in a tweet.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also tweeted and expressed grief over the incident. Terming the incident 'devastating', he said Canadians were keeping Pakistanis 'in our thoughts'.

'The news from Pakistan this morning is devastating,' he tweeted. 'To the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash of PK 8303, and to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, our hearts go out to you.'

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani also offered his condolences with the families of the crash victims and conveyed similar feeling to the government of Pakistan.

'My heart goes out to the families of victims who lost their lives in the PIA plane crash in Karachi,' he tweeted. 'I offer my sincere commiserations to the people and the government of Pakistan. Afghans stand with you in this moment of grief.'

Prime Minister of Nepal K.P. Sharma...