Two pilots martyred in PAF trainer aircraft crash near Mardan: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa’s (KP) Mardan city, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed. As a result, both pilots Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah (Pakistan Air Force) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi (Pakistan Navy) embraced martyrdom.

The statement added further said that a board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of accident.

"Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Services Chiefs and all ranks of Pakistan Armed Forces have expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families," the ISPR said

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday voiced their profound sadness over the crash of a PAF training aircraft in the vicinity of Mardan.

In separate statements, the president and the premier paid rich tribute to Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Pakistan Navy Lieutenant Taha Abbasi, who were martyred in the unfortunate incident while serving the nation.

They offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls, asking Allah to grant them the highest place in Jannah and to bless their families with patience and courage in coping with the immense loss.

President Zardari extended his deepest sympathies to the bereaved families, saying the country would forever honour the dedication and sacrifice of its brave sons who laid down their lives in the defence of Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz also expressed his condolences to the grieving families and remarked that the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by Pakistan’s armed forces in protecting the nation remained second to none.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed profound sorrow over the crash of a Pakistan Air Force training aircraft near Mardan and paid tribute to the two pilots who lost their lives while serving the country.

In a statement, the minister praised the dedication and bravery of Captain Qasim and Captain Talha, who embraced martyrdom in the course of their official duties. He said their sacrifice reflected the highest standards of courage, loyalty, and commitment to the nation.

“Captain Qasim and Captain Talha have attained the exalted status of martyrdom,” Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that the entire nation honors the courage and devotion demonstrated by the fallen pilots.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, assuring them that the country stands united with them in this moment of grief and loss.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the families of both martyred pilots,” he stated, while praying that the families are granted patience and strength to cope with the tragedy.