All five crew members were martyred when an MI-17 helicopter belonging to the Pakistan army crashed near Gilgit Baltistan’s Hudor village, approximately 12 kilometres away from Thakdas Cantonment, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

 

“The helicopter was on routine training flying when it developed [a] technical fault and crashed. As a result, all crew members on board embraced shahadat,” read the ISPR statement.

 

 

 

According to the military’s media wing, among the martyred were Pilot in Command Major Atif, Co-pilot Major Faisal, Flight Engineer N/Sub Maqbool, Crew Chief Havaldar Jahangir and Naik Amir. 

 

“Training missions are part of routine activities of Army Aviation to maintain operational readiness for performing tasks varying from operational support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” ISPR said.

 

The military’s media wing further stated that the army remained committed to ensuring readiness in all facets.