Popular singer fear dead in Pakistan Plane Crash

A plane carrying 42 passengers was 'on fire' when it crashed into a mountain and exploded.

So far 36 bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the flight that was carrying two children and renowned singer-songwriter Junaid Jamshed.

Witnesses say Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight PK-661 was on fire before it smashed into the mountain in the country's Abbottabad district.

Burning debris has been photographed spread across the rural, mountainous landscape. And social media images show locals attempting to help with the recovery of bodies.

Aviation experts have revealed the plane had suffered from engine problems in the past.

Pakistan's army has recovered 36 bodies from the wreckage, with the military's media wing confirming the search for more was continuing.

A government official at the site of the crash said witnesses had reported seeing the plane on fire before it crashed.

Experts say it is unlikely there have been any survivors, with many bodies burnt "beyond recognition".

Pakistani military says 36 bodies recovered from #PK661 crash site in Havelian.

— Asad Hashim (@AsadHashim) December 7, 2016

Speaking to reporters at Islamabad airport, Secretary for Aviation Irfan Ilahi confirmed that the ATR-42 turboprob plane had suffered engine problems.

He said: "It is premature to say anything at the moment, but we know that the aircraft had engine problems."

Pilots, speaking on condition of anonymity, told geo.tv that the plane had suffered engine flameouts - the run-down of a jet engine caused by the extinction of the flame in the combustion chamber.

Jamshed, 52, who was believed to be on board with his family, was a recording artist-turned-entrepreneur previously awarded a Medal of Excellence by the President of Pakistan.

Birmingham-born Adil Ray, who stars in the BBC One comedy Citizen Khan, which he created and co-writes, offered his condolences on Twitter.

He wrote: "Very sad news of missing Pakistani flight. One of Pakistans most famous former pop stars on board. Huge loss. Thoughts with all families."

The aircraft lost contact on Wednesday on a domestic flight from the northern city of Chitral to the capital of Islamabad, an airline spokesman said.

"A plane has crashed and locals told us that it is on fire," police official Saeed Wazir told geo.tv. "Police and rescue officials are on the way but have yet not reached on site."

Civil Aviation Authority spokesman Pervez George added: "Rescue teams are reaching the scene of the crash and then we will know more."

According to Radio Pakistan, President Mamnoon Hussain said: "Every possible assistance will be extended to the bereaved families."

Military helicopters have been drafted in to help with the search operation.

Eyewitnesses say survivors are "unlikely" following the crash. One was quoted as saying "many bodies burnt beyond recognition".

The twin propeller aircraft took off at 3pm local time but contact was lost around 90 minutes later.

Reports say the aircraft came down near Havelian, the second largest municipality in the Abbottabad district.