This documentary portrays the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi not just as a terrorist attack, but as a complex story of human courage, state failure, and political deception. One of its most striking aspects is how individuals like Neerja Bhanot shine through systemic collapse - her sacrifice to save passengers shows how ordinary people can become extraordinary in moments of crisis.
At the same time, the event exposes the Pakistani government's security failures, operational incompetence, and post-event cover-ups. The ill-preparedness of commandos, the chaotic rescue attempt, and the conflicting official statements all reveal that the tragedy was not just the work of terrorists, but also of a negligent state. While the documentary avoids direct accusations, the government's claim that "everything was under control" is painfully contradicted by survivor testimonies and facts on the ground.
Ultimately, "Hijacked: Flight 73" is more than a retelling of a hijacking - it's a powerful narrative that juxtaposes heroism with betrayal, truth with denial, and individual bravery with institutional cowardice. It's both thought-provoking and jarring. Watching it isn't enough; it demands reflection and scrutiny. Because sometimes, the deadliest form of terrorism comes not from guns, but from buried truths.
