KARACHI: A Dubai-bound Pakistan International Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Karachi's Jinnah International Airport after one of its engines caught fire during flight.

The engine of the aircraft caught fire soon after it took off from Karachi airport. Panic gripped the residents of Karachi's Korangi neighborhood and nearby areas when they heard a loud explosion as the plane flew overhead. According to sources at the Civil Aviation Authority emergency was declared at the airport and the plane landed safely while all the passengers were reportedly unhurt. The flight, PK-213, had 53 passengers on board. According to initial reports, the plane's engine caught fire after it encountered a technical problem.

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft was seen in flames above Mahmoodabad area before it disappeared.

According to PIA spokesman Mashoor Tajwar all the passengers and crew members were safe.