Army Helicopter Crashes in Gilgit 5 Soldiers Martyred

Gilgit: A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed during a routine training flight in Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in the martyrdom of five personnel, including two officers. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred at around 10 a.m. near Hudur village, approximately 12 kilometers from Thak Das Cantonment. The helicopter attempted a crash landing but was destroyed, leaving no survivors. The martyred personnel have been identified as Pilot-in-Command Major Atif, Co-Pilot Major Faisal, Flight Engineer Naib Subedar Maqbool, Crew Chief Havaldar Jahangir, and Naik Amir. Initial reports suggest that the crash occurred due to a technical fault. The ISPR added that Army Aviation training flights are a regular part of operational readiness and are also vital for humanitarian relief and rescue missions across the country. The military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining full preparedness in both defense and service to the people. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Express Grief Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives, praying for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families. He said that Major Atif, Major Faisal, Naib Subedar Maqbool, Havaldar Jahangir, and Naik Amir embraced martyrdom while performing their duty, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the martyrs, saying that the soldiers of Pakistan Army are the pride of the nation. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affirmed that the entire nation stands united with them in this hour of grief.