Sobering stuff and further comments are pointless, other than voicing increased respect for Airbus designers. Ironically, keeping the gear up on the second approach could have improved the outcome.
Question from a long retired bus driver: was the route stored or downloaded from PIA with the SABEN hold already in it (ie other crews would have encountered the scenario) or was it manually inserted by this crew? Of course, a basic altitude/dtg check somewhere would have been useful, but then so would a bacon sandwich.
Next week I hope to enjoy a westbound daylight flight with a reputable Middle East airline. I will enjoy it more if you sandpit chaps can assure me there will be no fasting at the front…