RAWALPINDI – Two pilots were martyred as Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft on a routine training sortie crashed near Mardan on Monday.
The martyred pilots have been identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah (Pakistan Air Force) and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi (Pakistan Navy), according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
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.
President, PM Expresses Deep Grief
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday 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.
Air Chief Pays Tribute to Martyred Pilots
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the shahadat of Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of Pakistan Navy, who embraced shahadat following the crash of a Pakistan Air Force trainer aircraft during a routine training sortie near Mardan today.
The Air Chief paid rich tribute to the unwavering dedication, exemplary professionalism and supreme sacrifice of the two young officers, who laid down their lives in the line of duty while serving the nation. He remarked that their courage, commitment and devotion to duty embody the finest traditions of the Armed Forces of Pakistan and will remain a source of inspiration for future generations. Chief of the Air Staff conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed that Almighty Allah may grant the Shuhada the highest ranks in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bless their families with patience, strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
Mohsin Naqvi Expresses Grief
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the crash of a PAF 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.
“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.
