Tragic Helicopter Crash in Gilgit-Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan, September 1, 2025 — A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed today near Chilas in the Diamer district, claiming the lives of all five crew members, including two majors, during a standard training exercise. The aircraft crashed close to Hudor village, nearly 12 km away from Thakdas Cantonment. The crash is believed to have resulted from a technical fault, and the helicopter reportedly caught fire upon contact with the ground.
Who Were the Fallen Crew Members
The martyred personnel included:
- Major Atif (Pilot in Command)
- Major Faisal (Co-Pilot)
- Naib Subedar Maqbool (Flight Engineer)
- Havaldar Jahangir (Crew Chief)
- Naik Amir (Crew Chief)
The helicopter was attempting a trial landing on a newly designated helipad when the crash took place. Rescue and police teams were dispatched immediately to the crash site.
Authorities Respond
The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan, Haji Gulbar Khan, ordered an emergency status at Chilas Hospital to ensure medical readiness. He expressed heartfelt condolences and hailed the sacrifice of the fallen soldiers as a “source of pride for the nation.”
Similarly, provincial spokesman Faizullah Faraq confirmed the technical fault as the likely cause and called the incident “deeply regrettable,”—noting that the helicopter had also previously been used for relief operations.
Echoes of Past Disasters
This tragedy follows recent air accidents in the region:
In mid-August, a rescue helicopter en route to flood-hit Bajaur crashed in severe weather, killing all five personnel onboard during monsoon relief operations.
The floods themselves were catastrophic, with over 320 lives lost across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southern Gilgit-Baltistan. The Buner district alone accounted for 157 fatalities in one single day.
In Summary
This devastating crash highlights the grave risks associated with aviation operations in Pakistan’s mountainous terrain—where unforgiving landscapes and lone technical failures can quickly turn routine missions fatal. The loss of five servicemen—whose duty ranged from training preparedness to humanitarian aid—underscores both the inherent dangers they face and their dedication to service.
