On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 073 arrived at Karachi airport from Bombay with 284 passengers and 16 crew members onboard while preparing to board additional passengers for its onward journey. At approximately 0555 hours, a tractor towing pallets entered the export cargo gate, followed closely by a Suzuki van carrying armed intruders disguised in uniforms. The vehicle sped onto the apron and stopped near the aircraft at Bay No. 9, where four hijackers rushed aboard through both economy and first-class stairs. Despite the presence of ASF guards, the hijackers successfully seized control of the aircraft. They attempted to close the aircraft doors and fired shots inside the cabin, injuring a PAN AM employee and creating panic among passengers and crew. Shortly after the takeover, the cockpit crew escaped through the emergency hatch, leaving the hijackers in control of the aircraft.
