Pakistan Army has confirmed that all personnel aboard an Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter embraced martyrdom after the aircraft crashed near Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir during take-off. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the tragic incident occurred due to a technical fault, leaving no survivors.
Rescue and recovery teams immediately reached the crash site after the accident. The military stated that a board of inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact technical cause behind the crash. Although the ISPR did not disclose the number of personnel on board, it confirmed that all occupants lost their lives while serving the nation.
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed deep grief over the loss and extended condolences to the bereaved families. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other national leaders also paid tribute to the martyrs, acknowledging their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.
The Mi-17 helicopter has been a vital part of Pakistan Army Aviation since the late 1990s, frequently used for transport, logistics, rescue missions, and operational support. The incident serves as another reminder of the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in the line of duty.
The entire nation stands united in mourning this tragic loss and honouring the memory of the brave personnel who embraced martyrdom while serving Pakistan.
