RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) – Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft on a routine training sortie crashed near Mardan on Monday.
Resultantly, both pilots Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah (Pakistan Air Force) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi (Pakistan Navy) have embraced martyrdom, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement.
A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of accident.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir, Services Chiefs and all Ranks Pakistan Armed Forces express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the crash of a Pakistan Air Force training aircraft near Mardan, paying tribute to the two pilots who lost their lives in the line of duty.
In a statement issued following the tragic incident, the Interior Minister honored the sacrifice of Captain Qasim and Captain Talha, who embraced martyrdom while performing their professional responsibilities. He described their sacrifice as a testament to courage, commitment, and devotion to the nation.
“Captain Qasim and Captain Talha have attained the exalted status of martyrdom,” Mohsin Naqvi said, adding that the nation salutes the bravery and dedication of the fallen airmen.
The minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families of the two martyrs, assuring them that the entire nation stands with them in this difficult time. “Our deepest sympathies are with the families of both martyred pilots,” he stated, praying for strength and patience for the grieving relatives.
Mohsin Naqvi also prayed for the speedy recovery of three individuals who were injured in the accident, expressing hope that they would regain full health soon.
The tragic crash has cast a shadow of mourning across the country, with tributes pouring in for the two pilots whose ultimate sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to duty and national service. Their courage and dedication will be remembered as a source of pride and inspiration for generations to come.