Two pilots were martyred on Monday when a Pakistan Air Force Super Mushshak trainer aircraft on a routine training sortie crashed near Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Mardan, the military’s media wing said.
Identification of the Pilots
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the pilots have been identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force, who was an instructor pilot, and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy, who was a trainee officer.
Investigation Launched
ISPR said, "A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of accident."
Condolences from Military Leadership
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with the Services Chiefs and all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces, expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families, according to ISPR.
Prime Minister's Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the crash, and he conveyed condolences over the deaths of two officers in the incident, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and said he stood in solidarity with the bereaved families. He further said the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces in defending the country remains “unparalleled.”
Interior Minister's Tribute
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement, expressed sorrow over the crash of the training aircraft and paid tribute to the two pilots who were killed. He described Captain Qasim and Captain Talha as martyrs and honoured their sacrifice. The interior minister also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased pilots and expressed solidarity with them.
Previous Incident
On June 10, a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a technical fault, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, there were no survivors in the crash. Rescue and recovery teams were dispatched to the site immediately after the accident and reached the area to begin relief and recovery operations, it added. “A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident,” it further stated.
