A PAF trainer aircraft crash near Mardan on Monday claimed the lives of two military pilots during a routine training mission, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The pilots were identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy. Both officers embraced martyrdom in the accident.
The military’s media wing said Air Headquarters has constituted a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, the services chiefs and all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the two officers. They extended their condolences to the bereaved families and paid tribute to their service and sacrifice.
The incident comes just days after another military aviation accident.
On June 10, a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad during take-off due to a technical fault. All personnel on board were martyred and no survivors were reported. A separate inquiry was ordered to determine the exact cause of that accident.
Military aviation has witnessed other tragedies in recent years. In September last year, five military personnel were martyred when an army helicopter crashed in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan following a technical fault.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over the PAF trainer aircraft crash.
In separate statements, President Zardari paid tribute to Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi, describing them as brave sons of the nation who sacrificed their lives in service to the country. He prayed for the elevation of their ranks and offered condolences to their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed sorrow over the loss of the two officers. He prayed for the departed souls and for strength and patience for their families during this difficult time.
The prime minister said the professionalism, dedication and commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the country remain unmatched and extended his sympathies to the families of the martyred officers.
Investigators are expected to examine all aspects of the accident as the inquiry board works to establish the circumstances that led to the crash.