A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed during a training flight near Thak Das Cantonment in Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in the martyrdom of all five personnel on board. The tragic incident occurred at around 10 a.m. near Hudor village, about 12 kilometers from the cantonment, where the helicopter crash-landed and was destroyed.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), all crew members embraced martyrdom. The martyrs include Pilot in Command Major Atif, Co-Pilot Major Faisal, Flight Engineer Naib Subedar Maqbool, Crew Chief Havaldar Jahangir, and Crew Chief Naik Aamir. The ISPR further stated that the helicopter encountered a technical fault, which led to the accident.
The statement added that training flights are a routine part of Army Aviation to ensure constant operational readiness. These exercises are vital not only for fulfilling defensive responsibilities but also for carrying out humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks while extending condolences to their families. He said the nation takes pride in its brave martyrs.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that Major Atif, Major Faisal, Naib Subedar Maqbool, Havaldar Jahangir, and Naik Aamir sacrificed their lives while performing their duty, setting an example of supreme devotion. He expressed heartfelt sympathy with the bereaved families, assuring them that the government and the nation stand with them in this hour of grief.
