BAJAUR: A helicopter of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, engaged in flood relief operations in Bajaur, has crashed, resulting in the martyrdom of five people, including two pilots.
According to officials, the Mi-171E helicopter (registration AP-BIL) was carrying out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief flights from Bajaur when it lost contact due to bad weather. The aircraft was later traced near Pindiali in the Mohmand district, where it was confirmed to have crashed.
The helicopter had been sent to rescue and assist flood-affected residents in the region. Chief Minister’s spokesperson Faraz Mughal confirmed the crash and the loss of all five personnel on board.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed grief over the incident, paid tribute to the martyrs, and announced that they would be laid to rest with full state honors. He said the martyrs sacrificed their lives while trying to save others. The chief minister also declared Saturday as a day of mourning across the province, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast.
