Indian-origin pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been in the news for his heroic act that foiled an almost 9/11 potential disaster on a flight carrying 174 passengers.
Machchhar was found with serious injuries following an alleged attack from his co-pilot, but he managed to open the cockpit door and thus the passengers and crew were able to intervene and prevent the situation from becoming any worse.
The plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, when it made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All the passengers were rescued, and Machchhar was rushed to hospital for treatment. The incident is under investigation and there is no indication as yet as to why the co-pilot was involved.
Hope No Pakistani Angle: Pakistani Political Analyst Qamar Cheema
Qamar Cheema, who has been a vocal critic of the BJP-led Indian government, praised the Indian origin pilot for his heroic deed. He, however, expressed a wish that no Pakistani link emerges with the co-pilot who stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar; otherwise, it would be a disaster for Pakistan on the international level.
“Nobody knows who does what and where? Reports are saying that he is Omani. I am wondering how his clearance was done by security?”
There are reports that the identity of the Omani co-pilot who executed this dreadful attack is being deliberately kept hidden for reasons that are not known to us.
Pakistani Media Covers Captain’s Courage
Captain Smit Machchhar is all over the media in Pakistan. Known personalities in Pakistan are applauding the bravery of Captain Smit Machchhar.
Qamar Cheema, a vocal critic of India, opined, “He was the real hero who saved the entire passenger while he was bleeding. He is a Hero. One must appreciate that it was not his job (saving himself from getting stabbed). Many people are thinking that we should not take his name, but anyone who saves humanity, anyone who saves life is a hero.”
MediaBites Pakistan has also praised the Indian origin pilot for his bravery
“Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to activate the cockpit door release, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot, according to Israeli officials. Other pilots who were traveling as passengers then helped regain control of the aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Tabuk.”
Arzoo Kazmi, also a known with a balanced critic of India, opined on her recent chat that the pilot was extremely brave who averted a major disaster by putting his life on the line.
The event has been attracting the attention of international media, including newspapers of Pakistan. Dawn reported on the incident and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s words of praise to the captain, and Geo News also reported on the attack as well as how the passengers restrained the co-pilot.
The story has gone over the borders as people’s lives have been on the line and quick actions have been taken on board. It has been reported that Machchhar had been severely injured, but managed to open the door to the cockpit to afford space for others to intervene.
Modi, Netanyahu and Other Public Figures Praise the Pilot
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have both commended Machchhar for his bravery. Netanyahu said that the captain’s actions saved everyone on board, including Israeli citizens and those from other countries. Modi also commended his bravery and presence of mind.
Actor and politician Ravi Kishan paid his respects as well, lauding the spirit of duty and hoping for a speedy recovery of the captain. SpiceJet, where Machchhar had served earlier, also spoke appreciatively of their former employee. As the investigation moves forward, Captain Machchhar’s actions seem to have been a tale of courage and speed under extreme pressure. The safe landing and the efforts of passengers and crew prevented a potentially tragic event.
