Gilgit: A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed during a training flight 12 kilometers from the Thakdas Cantonment area of Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in the martyrdom of 5 Pakistan Army soldiers.
According to the ISPR, the helicopter crashed around 10 am in the Hodur Ganu area due to a technical fault. The helicopter was completely destroyed and all the crew members were martyred. The martyrs include Major Atif (Pilot in Command), Major Faisal (Co-Pilot), Naik Subhan Maqbool (Flight Engineer), Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir.
The Pakistan Army spokesperson said that the training missions of Army Aviation are part of routine activities, the aim of which is to maintain operational readiness so that immediate assistance can be provided during any emergency, operational support or natural disasters. Pakistan Army is determined to ensure its operational readiness in all circumstances.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, while expressing deep sorrow and grief over the helicopter crash and the martyrdom of the soldiers, said that the nation is proud of the sacrifices of the martyrs. He prayed that Allah Almighty may elevate the ranks of the martyrs and grant patience to the families.
