PESHAWAR: A trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force crashed near Mardan on Monday, resulting in the martyrdom of both pilots onboard the aircraft, the military’s media affairs wing said.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed. As a result, Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah from the PAF and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi from the Pakistan Navy embraced martyrdom.

It added that “a board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

The statement said Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, other services chiefs and “all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his grief over the pilots’ martyrdom and said, “The nation will always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons who lay down their lives for the defence of the homeland.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed grief over the “tragic crash” and paid tribute to the martyred pilots.

“Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Allah grant the departed highest ranks in Jannah and give strength to their loved ones in this difficult time,” he posted on X.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2026