40 years ago September 7, 1986: Pan Am aircraft hijack

On September 7, 1986, a Pan Am aircraft was hijacked at Karachi airport, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and several injuries. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of India expressed frustration with Pakistan's handling of the situation, stating that it was challenging to determine who was responsible for the hijacking. Pakistani authorities were criticized for allowing terrorists to breach the airport perimeter.

However, President Reagan of the United States commended Islamabad's "bold and decisive" actions in resolving the incident. The event claimed the life of Neerja Mishra, a senior Indian flight purser on the hijacked plane. Mishra was killed by the hijackers before Pakistani commandos could reach the aircraft. She was rushed to Karachi's Jinnah hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Her body is now en route to Bombay for burial. Mishra was set to celebrate her 23rd birthday on the day of the tragedy.