LAHORE - Gul Muhammad Bhatti, father of the martyred Pakistan International Airline (PIA) pilot Sajjad Gul has rejected the 'initial inquiry' report and claims that the pilot neglected three low altitude warnings issued by the air traffic controller (ATC). He held a press conference alongside Governor Punjab Chaudhary Sarwar.

While speaking to the media, the grieving father said, "The last conversation between the pilot and ATC was leaked on purpose to put blame my son. You declared him a national hero a day ago and now he is responsible for the crash. We are grieving and some people are doing politics."

Gul demanded an independent inquiry and showed utmost confidence towards the assurance of Chahudary Sarwar, "I believe what Mr. Sarwar and Prime Minister Imran Khan are saying, we want justice and fair investigations. PIA officials should stop doing politics."

He held the press conference after claims started to circulate the media that Gul ignored three low altitudes warnings by the ATC. However, in a leaked audio clip, it appears that the pilot was trying to maintain the altitude but engine failure proved his efforts to be futile.

The federal government has constituted a committee to investigate the crash that claimed 97 lives on Friday. Airbus has also sent a team of investigators to assist the committee.

A full record between ATC and pilot. After the first unsuccessful landing till the crash#Karachi #planecrash #PIA #PK8303 pic.twitter.com/WdYGJuYz3W

— AvGeek4 (@AvGeek4) May 24, 2020

In this audio clip upon getting the first warning of descending altitude, Gul responds, "Sir, we have...just give me 2000." and upon receiving the second warning he responds, "Sir copied, we are now maintaining...trying to maintain." Within 30 seconds of the 2nd warning, Gul informed the control tower of engine failure and lost connection.