Pakistan International Airlines Flight 404 was scheduled to operate a domestic flight from Gilgit Airport in Pakistan to Islamabad. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-240, took off under seemingly normal circumstances with 54 people on board, including passengers and crew. Shortly after takeoff, however, the flight lost communication with air traffic control. Despite thorough attempts to re-establish contact and assess the situation, no further communication was received, and the aircraft completely vanished from radar. This alarming incident prompted an immediate search and rescue operation, mobilizing aerial and ground teams to comb the rugged Himalayan terrain where the plane was last believed to be flying. The mountainous geography of the region posed significant challenges for search efforts, as rough weather and difficult access conditions prevailed.

As days turned into weeks, the search initiatives yielded no wreckage or clues as to what might have happened. During this time, speculation arose regarding potential mechanical failure or navigational errors, but without evidence, these remained conjectures. In the absence of the aircraft's remains or black box data, mystery enveloped the incident, leading to speculation over the years. The families of the passengers and crew were left in prolonged uncertainty, desiring answers about their loved ones. The event raised questions about aviation safety in harsh terrains such as the Himalayas, and impacted regulations for flight operations in similar conditions in the future.