Xi sends condolences to Pakistani president over plane crash

BEIJING -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday extended condolences to his Pakistani counterpart, Mamnoon Hussain, over Wednesday's plane crash that killed 48 people.

Xi said in a message that he was shocked to learn the news of the tragedy, in which all the passengers and crew members of a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, including a Chinese national, were killed.

Xi, on behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in his own name, mourned the dead and sent condolences to the bereaved families.

The Chinese people firmly stand with the Pakistani people at this sad moment, said Xi.

A PIA plane crashed in Pakistan's northwestern Havelian area Wednesday, killing all 48 people aboard.