Lt-Gen Sarfraz Ali, 5 others embrace martyrdom as copter wreckage found

ISPR DG says initial probe suggested the copter went down in bad weather

By: News Desk
Published: 10:22 AM, 2 Aug, 2022
Lt-Gen Sarfraz Ali, 5 others embrace martyrdom as copter wreckage found
Caption: File photos.
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All the officers and soldiers on board the Army helicopter including Lt-Gen Sarfraz Ali have embraced Shahadat (martyrdom) as the wreckage of the copter has been located, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to a tweet uploaded by the ISPR director general on Tuesday, the wreckage of the unfortunate helicopter which was on flood relief operations has been found in Musa Goth, Windar, Lasbela.

He further said “All six officers and soldiers including Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali embraced shahadat. The accident occurred due to bad weather as per initial investigations.”

PM Shehbaz, President Alvi, Imran Khan, PPP leadership express grief 

PM Shehbaz Sharif said that nation is deeply grieved on the martyrdom of Lt. General Sarfraz Ali & 5 other officers of the Pakistan Army.

He said, "They were doing a sacred duty of providing relief to flood affectees. Will remain eternally indebted to these sons of the soil. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families."

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephonic conversation with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and obtained from him the latest information about the missing Army Aviation helicopter.

The COAS informed the prime minister about the ongoing search operations for the recovery of the missing helicopter since last night.

On the occasion, the prime minister expressed his concern and worry regarding the safety of six army officers and jawans including Commander 12 Corps Lt-Gen Sarfaraz Ali.

“Lt-Gen Sarfraz Ali is an excellent professional and a very good person,” the prime minister said.

“I pray that all the people on board the helicopter are safe,” he prayed and also appealed to the nation to pray for safe return of the brave sons of the country.

“The entire nation is deeply saddened and depressed by the accident. These dutiful sons, who helped the flood victims, have emerged as exemplary models of public service,” the prime minister pointed out.

“This is the great spirit of serving our brothers, sisters and children which is the real strength of Pakistan,” he remarked.

Shehbaz, Imran express concern 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former prime minister and PTI Chief Imran Khan both expressed their concern over the disappearance of an Army Aviation helicopter from Balochistan terming it alarming and disturbing news, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Though the two leaders hardly found anything on which their views converge, this tragic news brought about unanimity among them. 

Taking to his Twitter handle on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote: “The disappearance of Army aviation helicopter from Balochistan is alarming. The entire nation prays to Allah Almighty for the safety, security, and return of these sons of the country who went out to help the flood victims. In Sha Allah.”

Former premier and PTI Chairman Imran wrote on his Twitter handle: “Disturbing news of army aviation helicopter missing and praying for all those on board.”

According to the ISPR, a Pakistan army aviation helicopter that was on flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan lost contact with air traffic control (ATC) on Monday. Six individuals were on board including Commander XII Corps who was supervising flood relief operations in Balochistan. The search operation is underway, the ISPR concluded. 

Reporter: Awais Kiyani