A Pakistan Army helicopter crashed near Hudor village in Gilgit-Baltistan during a routine training flight. The crash happened around 10 a.m. due to a technical fault, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed. All five crew members onboard were martyred in the accident.
The deceased included two majors—Major Atif and Major Faisal—along with Flight Engineer Naib Subedar Maqbool, and crew chiefs Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir. The ISPR stated that training missions are a regular part of Army Aviation operations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs and offered condolences to their families. The Prime Minister also wished the bereaved families patience and strength during this difficult time.
The Army is investigating the crash, and authorities continue rescue and recovery operations. The incident is a major loss for the armed forces and the nation.
Such training flights are vital for maintaining operational readiness. Despite the risks, the Army remains committed to supporting national security and disaster relief missions.