A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) trainer aircraft crashed near Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district during a routine training mission on Monday, leaving both pilots onboard martyred.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the aircraft was on a routine training sortie when the accident occurred.

The martyred pilots were identified as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Pakistan Navy.

“A board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of the accident,” the military’s media wing said.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, along with the services chiefs and all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces, expressed grief over the loss.

The ISPR said they “express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”.

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “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 paid tribute to the pilots and offered condolences to their families.

“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 wrote on X.

The cause of the crash will be determined through the inquiry ordered by Air Headquarters.