A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Mardan during a routine training flight, resulting in the martyrdom of two pilots, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The tragic accident claimed the lives of Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy.
According to the ISPR, the trainer aircraft was carrying out a routine training mission when it crashed near Mardan on Monday morning.
Both pilots embraced martyrdom in the accident. The military's media wing confirmed that Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah was serving in the Pakistan Air Force, while Lieutenant Taha Abbasi belonged to the Pakistan Navy.
Inquiry ordered into crash
Following the incident, Air Headquarters constituted a board of inquiry to determine the cause of the crash.
The investigation board has been tasked with examining all aspects of the accident and establishing the circumstances that led to the aircraft going down during the training sortie.
Air Headquarters has formally ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.
PM, armed forces express grief
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow and regret over the tragic accident.
The ISPR said the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the Pakistan armed forces mourned the loss of the two officers and extended heartfelt condolences to their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the PAF aircraft crash. He expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy in the tragic incident.
“I pray that Allah grants the highest ranks to the brave officers who embraced martyrdom in this accident,” the prime minister said.
PM Sharif extended his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased pilots. “May Allah grant the bereaved families strength, patience, and courage to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.
The PM said the professionalism, dedication, and commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the homeland are unmatched and a source of pride for the nation.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the Pakistan Air Force training aircraft crash near Mardan. He paid tribute to the two pilots who embraced martyrdom in the tragic accident, honouring their service and sacrifice for the nation.
The interior minister extended his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the martyred pilots. “Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with the families of both martyred pilots during this difficult time,” Naqvi said.
He also prayed for the swift and complete recovery of the three people injured in the accident.
