CHILAS, GILGIT-BALTISTAN: A tragic incident shook the nation on Monday as a Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed in Diamer District’s Chilas town, resulting in the martyrdom of all five crew members on board.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the helicopter developed a technical faultwhile on a routine training flight. The crash occurred near Hudor village, about 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantonment, around 10:00 a.m.
The martyred personnel were identified as:
- Major Atif (Pilot in Command)
- Major Faisal (Co-Pilot)
- Naib Subedar Maqbool (Flight Engineer)
- Havaldar Jahangir (Crew Chief)
- Naik Amir (Crew Chief)
Local authorities confirmed that the chopper was attempting a test landing on a proposed helipad when it went down. Police and rescue teams quickly reached the site for evacuation operations.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan declared an emergency at Chilas Hospital and directed medical staff to remain on standby. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating: “The sacrifice of the martyrs is a source of pride for the nation. Their services will always be remembered with honor.”
This tragic accident comes just weeks after another helicopter crash in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where five military personnel lost their lives during a flood relief mission. In 2024, a private helicopter crash in North Waziristan also claimed six lives.
The latest Pakistan Army helicopter crash in Gilgit-Baltistan highlights the challenges faced by military aviation in high-altitude regions, where unpredictable weather and difficult terrain often complicate operations. The nation mourns the brave soldiers who embraced shahadat in the line of duty, upholding the tradition of sacrifice for Pakistan.
