A Pakistani military helicopter crashed in the southwest area of the country late on Sunday killing all six soldiers on board, including two officers, the military said on Monday, according to Reuters. The helicopter crashed during a "flying mission" near Harnai in the province of Balochistan, the military's public relations wing said in a statement. No reason for the crash was given. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Monday that six Pakistan Army officials, including two majors, were martyred after a helicopter crashed during a flying mission near Khost in Harnai, Balochistan. "All six personnel on board, including two pilots, have embraced shahadat," the military's media affairs wing said, adding that the incident occurred late last night. The ISPR has yet to release details about the cause of the crash which comes more than a month after a similar incident occurred in Balochistan. On August 1, a Pakistan Army helicopter with six people on board, including Commander 12 Corps Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, lost contact with the air traffic control in Balochistan's Lasbela district. A day later, the wreckage of the helicopter was found near Musa Goth, with all personnel on board embracing martyrdom. According to the ISPR, the accident occurred due to bad weather. Reacting to the news of the latest crash, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he was deeply grieved. He prayed for the deceased and their family members, adding that the entire nation shared the grief of the bereaved. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said he was deeply saddened to hear of the incident, terming it to be "tragic". PTI's Fawad Chaudhry said helicopter flying was getting dangerous, adding that this required "engineering evaluation". "Too many crashes [...] rest in peace bravehearts. All were too young to die," he said. Climate Minister Sherry Rehman offered her condolences over the lives lost in the crash. She also prayed for the families of the martyred officials. Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo expressed deep grief and sorrow over the helicopter crash. In a statement, he said the entire nation paid rich tribute to those who sacrificed their lives while performing their duties. "We wish Allah's mercy upon the soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the accident and extend our heartfelt condolences to the brotherly people of Pakistan," the Turkish embassy in Islamabad said. — Agencies
