Military helicopter with six on board goes lacking: ISPR

A Pakistan military aviation helicopter which was on flood reduction operations in Lasbela, Balochistan misplaced contact with ATC. 6 people have been on board together with Commander 12 Corps who was supervising flood reduction operations in Balochistan. Search operation is underway.DTF

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 1, 2022

Taking to Twitter, the army’s media wing mentioned that the aviation helicopter was on a flood reduction operation in Lasbela, Balochistan when it misplaced contact with air site visitors management (ATC).

“Six people have been on board, together with Commander 12 Corps who was supervising flood reduction operations in Balochistan,” the tweet mentioned, including {that a} search operation is underway.

In accordance with particulars out there with Geo Information, Corp Commander Quetta Lieutenant Basic Sarfaraz Ali, who was supervising the flood reduction operations within the province, was additionally on board.

Per the small print aired by Geo Information, Main Syed was the pilot whereas Main Talha was the co-pilot of the helicopter. The Director-Basic of Coast Guards Brigadier Amjad, Engineer Brigadier Khalid, and chief naik Mudassir have been additionally onboard.

The civil authorities and the Pakistan Military are at present busy with reduction programmes within the province because the heavy rain spell has wreaked havoc there, claiming 147 lives.

Following the incident, the district administration mentioned {that a} helicopter crashed within the neighborhood of the Sassi Punnu Shrine, situated close to the Windar space, nonetheless, the ISPR is but to verify whether or not it was the identical helicopter.

Native residents say that the helicopter was seen flying low after which it disappeared. In the meantime, it was reported that the incident occurred minutes earlier than sundown (Maghrib prayers).

Deputy Inspector-Basic Khuzdar Pervez Imrani mentioned that native police groups are additionally looking for the helicopter. The world consists of mountain ranges that are creating difficulties within the search operation.

He additional mentioned that regardless of the difficulties attributable to the terrain, police groups are attempting to go looking the helicopter on bikes as effectively. A joint rescue operation of police and Frontier Corps has been underway for the final 5 hours.

Expressing concern over the disappearance of the helicopter, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted: “The disappearance of Military Aviation helicopter from Balochistan is alarming. All the nation prays to Allah Almighty for the protection, safety, and return of those sons of the nation who got here out to assist the flood victims. Insha Allah.”

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan additionally expressed his concern and prayed for the lacking.

“Disturbing information of military aviation helicopter lacking and praying for all these on board,” he tweeted.