Rawalpindi, 02 August 2022 (ISPR),

Six Pakistan Army personnel including Commander 12 Corps, Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali; Director-General of Coast Guards, Brig. Amjad Hanif; Brig. Muhammad Khalid; Pilot Maj. Saeed Ahmed; Co-Pilot  Maj. Mohammad Talha Manan; and Naik Mudassir Fayyaz embraced martyrdom in a helicopter crash in Balochistan, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Tuesday.

The military’s media wing confirmed the wreckage of the unfortunate helicopter, which was on flood relief operations found in Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela

The accident occurred due to bad weather as per initial investigations.

A day earlier, the military helicopter lost contact with the air traffic control while it was en route from Quetta to Karachi.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in a telephonic conversation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa received the latest information regarding the incident.

In the telephonic discussion, the COAS had informed the prime minister about the ongoing search operations since last night.

The prime minister had expressed his concern over the safety of Commander of 12 Corps Lt. Gen. Sarfaraz Ali and other six officials and jawans onboard the helicopter.

He termed Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali a thorough professional and an excellent person.

He said the officers and jawans who provided assistance to the flood victims had emerged as an exemplary example of dedication and service.

The premier said serving the brothers, sisters and children in their hour of need was the real strength of the Pakistani nation.

All the personnel on board the helicopter embraced martyrdom, the COAS confirmed, adding that the incident took place due to bad weather and poor visibility during the rescue and relief operation in the province.

He maintained that the wreckage of the copper has been recovered.

In his condolence message, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the Nation is deeply grieved by the martyrdom of Lt Gen Ali and five other officers of the Pakistan Army.

They were doing a sacred duty of providing relief to flood affectees. Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of the soil. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families!” he wrote on Twitter.

Expressing grief over the tragic incident, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif prayed for the forgiveness of the souls of the martyred military personnel.