Turkey, political figures offer condolences over military plane crash

Turkish FO statement offered condolences to Pakistan's government as well as to bereaved people.

TURKEY (Dunya News) - Turkish Foreign Ministry and other political figures like Prime Minister Imran Khan, President Dr Arif Alvi and others today (July 30) expressed sorrow over the death of 18 people, including five military personnel, and 13 civilians in a military aircraft crash in Rawalpindi.

“We received the news with deep sorrow that a Pakistan Air Force plane on a training mission crashed into a residential area in the city of Rawalpindi of Pakistan,” a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement said on Monday.

The statement offered condolences to Pakistan’s government as well as to bereaved people. “We wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives in this tragic accident, convey our condolences to the friendly government and the brotherly people of Pakistan,” the statement added.

US Mission to Pakistan voices sorrow

John Hoover, Deputy Chief of the US Mission to Pakistan offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the Pakistan Army air crash in Rawalpindi.

The U.S. Mission to Pakistan offers our condolences to the families of the victims of the Pakistan Army air crash in Rawalpindi - Chargé d Affaires a.i. John Hoover #PlaneCrash #Rawalpindi #USPAK pic.twitter.com/TgCCMyjLWP

— U.S. Embassy Islamabad (@usembislamabad) July 30, 2019

Air chief expresses sorrow over loss of lives in Army plane crash

Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in Pakistan Army plane crash in Rawalpindi.

In a message he extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Air Chief also prayed for eternal peace of the martyred souls, who embraced shahadat in the line of duty.

PM Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi offer condolences

President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the military aircraft crash in Rawalpindi.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also expressed grief about the loss of lives in the incident. FM Qureshi prayed for the high reward of the martyrs and courage for the bereaved families to bear this loss with fortitude.

CM Buzdar ensures best medical facilities to injured

Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar has also expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives of military personnel and civilians in the incident.

He expressed, "Extremely saddened to learn about the tragic plane crash incident in Rawalpindi. May Allah rest their souls in peace. My prayers with the families of the victims."

He condoled and synthesized with the bereaved family. He also directed the concerned officials to provide best medical facilities to the injured.

According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was on a routine training flight when it crashed near Rabi Plaza.

There was, however, no immediate word on the cause of the accident. Two lieutenant colonel pilots were among the five deceased military personnel.

Soon after the crashing into the three houses, a massive fire broke out and engulfed five other houses in the vicinity.