Pakistan Army Helicopter Crash in Gilgit-Baltistan Leaves Five Dead

Tragic Loss in Gilgit-Baltistan

On Monday, a Pakistan Army helicopter went down in Chilas, a town in the Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, killing five personnel. Officials confirmed the news and said the aircraft crashed during a test landing on a newly proposed helipad. SSP Abdul Hameed reported that the accident caused five casualties. Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and began evacuation efforts. I have seen how sudden changes in terrain and air pressure in mountains often trigger failures, so a technical fault can quickly turn into tragedy.

Government Response and Sacrifice

Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq blamed a technical failure and called the incident deeply regrettable. He explained that the same helicopter often supported relief operations in the region. GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan confirmed the fault and ordered Chilas Hospital to impose an emergency. Medical teams remained on standby to treat survivors. He also extended condolences to families, paid tribute to the fallen soldiers, and praised their sacrifice as a source of pride for the nation. Having worked with relief teams before, I know how the pride of the people connects with the courage of these soldiers.

Recent Helicopter Crashes in Pakistan

This tragedy followed another crash in Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where a rescue helicopter went down during flood relief efforts, killing five people including two pilots. Last year, a private petroleum company’s helicopter crashed near the Shewa oil field in North Waziristan, leaving six people dead and eight injured. These repeated accidents show the risks in both military aviation and civilian operations. Each incident—whether from the Army, a private company, or a rescue mission—creates grief for families and raises urgent questions about flight safety.

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