Two pilots embrace martyrdom as Pakistan Air Force aircraft crashes near Mardan

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft on a routine training sortie crashed near Mardan on Monday, said a statement issued by Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Resultantly, both pilots, Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah (Pakistan Air Force) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi (Pakistan Navy) embraced martyrdom.

A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of accident.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, services chiefs and all ranks of Pakistan armed forces expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Minister pays tribute 

Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed grief over the aircraft crash and paid tribute to the martyred pilots.

The interior minister expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the martyred pilots.