Two pilots martyred as PAF trainer aircraft crashes in Mardan

A trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has crashed near Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan District on Monday, resulting in the martyrdom of both pilots flying aboard the plane, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, “A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of the accident.”
The PAF trainer aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed near Mardan. Resultantly, both pilots Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah (Pakistan Air Force) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi (Pakistan Navy) have embraced Shahadat.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, Services Chiefs and all Ranks Pakistan Armed Forces have expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

President, PM grieved over deaths in PAF aircraft crash

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the crash of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) training aircraft near Mardan.

In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister paid rich tribute to Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Pakistan Navy’s Lieutenant Taha Abbasi who embraced martyrdom in the tragic incident.

They prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks in Jannah and for strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

President Zardari, expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the aggrieved families, said that the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons who laid down their lives for the defense of the homeland.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also extended his condolences to the bereaved families, saying that the professional competence of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the defense of the country was unparalleled.

Mohsin Naqvi expresses deep sorrow

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 honoured the sacrifice of Flight Lieutenant Qasim and Lieutenant 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.

Reporters Ahmad Mansoor and Awais Kiyani