A Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad on Wednesday during take-off due to a technical fault, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel on board. According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), rescue and recovery teams reached the crash site promptly after the incident. Military authorities subsequently ordered a board of inquiry to determine the exact technical cause of the accident.
Military and Civilian Leaders Express Grief
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan Army expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the helicopter crash.
In separate statements, the president and the prime minister extended their heartfelt sympathies to the families of those martyred in the accident. "The entire nation pays tribute to the great sacrifice of the martyrs and shares the grief of the bereaved families," President Asif Ali Zardari said. Paying tribute to the personnel who embraced martyrdom in the crash, PM Shehbaz said that the entire nation salutes the brave soldiers for their sacrifices. Both leaders prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and for strength and patience for the bereaved families to bear the loss.
Provincial Assembly and Leaders Offer Condolences
The Punjab Assembly also expressed deep sorrow over the Pakistan Army helicopter crash and paid tribute to the personnel who lost their lives. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan extended condolences to the families of the deceased personnel, saying the nation stands with the bereaved families in this difficult time. "The soldiers aboard the helicopter attained the highest rank of martyrdom. The country salutes its brave sons," he said.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also expressed deep sorrow over the crash and extended his condolences to the families of the martyred officers and soldiers. In a statement, Memon said the entire nation was grieved by the tragic accident and stood in solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time. "The services and sacrifices of our brave sons of the soil will always be remembered," he said. The minister added that the nation shares the grief of the martyrs' families and stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of sorrow. "May the Almighty grant the martyrs the highest ranks in Jannah and give strength and patience to their families to bear the loss," he concluded.
Background on Mi-17 Helicopters
The army's aviation wing began operating Russian-made Mi-17 transport helicopters in the late 1990s. Mi-17s are considered reliable aircraft in the Pakistan Army Aviation fleet. The helicopter can perform utility, transport, and combat roles. It carries a crew of three and has space for up to 24 troops or four tonnes of cargo. Over the years, the United States has helped Pakistan refurbish and overhaul 22 Mi-17 helicopters.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
