Tragic Helicopter Crash Claims Lives of Pakistan Army Personnel in PoK

Helicopter Incident in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

Islamabad: A tragic incident occurred when a Pakistan Army Aviation Mi-17 helicopter crashed close to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Wednesday, resulting in the death of all personnel aboard, as confirmed by the army.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military's media division, reported that there were no survivors but did not disclose the exact number of casualties.

According to a brief announcement, the crash happened during take-off due to a technical malfunction.

Rescue and recovery teams promptly arrived at the site of the crash.

An inquiry board has been established to investigate the precise technical reasons behind the accident.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed their condolences and sorrow regarding the incident.

In their statements, they conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy.

The Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, along with all army ranks, expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and extended their condolences to the grieving families, as stated by the ISPR.

This incident follows a similar crash in September of the previous year in Gilgit-Baltistan's Diamer district, which resulted in the deaths of five personnel.

Additionally, in August 2025, a helicopter belonging to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government crashed in the Mohmand district due to adverse weather conditions, claiming the lives of five individuals, including both pilots.