A Pakistan Army Aviation helicopter, which was on flood relief operation in Lasbela, Balochistan, lost contact with the Air Traffic Control (ATC) on Monday.
Six individuals were on board including Commander XII Corps Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali, who was supervising the flood relief operations in Balochistan. Some reports also suggested that Pakistan Coast Guard Director General Brigadier Amjad Hanif Satti was also on board the missing chopper.
A press release by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the news while adding the search operation for the helicopter was underway and further details would follow.
“A Pakistan army aviation helicopter which was on flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan lost contact with ATC. 6 individuals were on board including Commander 12 Corps who was supervising flood relief operations in Balochistan. A search operation is underway,” ISPR said.
A Pakistan army aviation helicopter which was on flood relief operations in Lasbela, Balochistan lost contact with ATC. 6 individuals were on board including Commander 12 Corps who was supervising flood relief operations in Balochistan. Search operation is underway.DTF
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 1, 2022
Balochistan has been facing heavy rains and floods which have wreaked havoc in the province. The death toll from devastating floods rose to 149 including 46 children on Monday. The Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and Pakistan Navy have been conducting rescue operations in the province.
Read more: “Khamosh Intazamiya, doobta Balochistan” trends on twitter as floods wreak havoc
According to a report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, a total of 13,535 houses have collapsed or are partially damaged due to the ongoing heavy rains and floods. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed relief efforts in Balochistan and ordered authorities to distribute compensation money to those affected by the floods within 24 hours.
Prayers pour in for missing Pakistan Army officials
The news of the army helicopter going missing has shocked the nation who are praying for their recovery and honoring the Pakistan Army, especially Lt Gen Sarfraz Ali. Several key figures expressed concern and prayed for the safety of all those on board.
While expressing “great concern” over the incident, President Arif Alvi prayed for the safety of the passengers, according to a tweet from the Presidency’s official account.
صدر مملکت ڈاکٹر عارف علوی کی جانب سے بلوچستان کے علاقے لسبیلہ میں سیلاب سے متعلق امدادی کارروائیوں پر مامور پاک فوج کے ہیلی کاپٹر کے لاپتہ ہونے پر گہری تشویش کا اظہار۔
صدر مملکت کی کمانڈر 12 کور اور دیگر سوار فوجی افسران کی حفاظت کی دعا،
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 1, 2022
Premier Shehbaz expressed concerns over the disappearance of the military helicopter.
“The entire nation is praying to Allah Almighty for the safety, security, and return of these sons of the country who were out to help the flood victims,” the premier wrote.
Read more: Pakistan army’s contribution in Balochistan
بلوچستان سے آرمی ایوی ایشن کے ہیلی کاپٹر کی گمشدگی تشویشناک ہے۔ پوری قوم اللہ تعالیٰ کے حضور سیلاب متاثرین کی مدد پر نکلنے والے وطن کے ان بیٹوں کی سلامتی، حفاظت اور بخیریت واپسی کے لئے دعا گو ہے۔ ان شاءاللہ
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 1, 2022
The former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a tweet said: “Disturbing news of army aviation helicopter missing and praying for all those on board.”
Disturbing news of army aviation helicopter missing and praying for all those on board.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) August 1, 2022
In a tweet, Punjab Chief Minister Parvez Elahi wrote, “I am praying for the passengers. May Allah protect all army officers on board.”
آرمی ہیلی کاپٹر کو حادثہ۔۔۔ ہیلی کاپٹر میں سوار وطن کے بیٹوں کی سلامتی کے لیے دعا گو ہوں۔ قوم بھی اللہ تعالٰی کے حضور سر بسجود ہے۔ اللہ تعالی ہیلی کاپٹر میں سوار تمام فوجی افسران کی حفاظت فرمائے-
— Ch Parvez Elahi (@ChParvezElahi) August 1, 2022
It is believed that army officials on board the helicopter are martyred. However, a search operation is still underway and an official confirmation from ISPR is expected on the matter.
“Shocked to learn about the shahadat of Lt. Gen Sarfaraz Ali, Commander 12 Corps, Colonel Commandant AK Regiment, Maj Gen Amjad, DG Coast Guards, and four others in uniform in a helicopter crash. They were on flood relief duties in Balochistan. A great loss. Salute you all,” Lt Gen (retd) Muhammad Haroon Aslam tweeted.
Shocked to learn about shahadat of Lt Gen Sarfaraz Ali, Commander 12 Corps, Colonel Commandant AK Regiment, Maj Gen Amjad, DG Coast Guards & four others in uniform in a helicopter crash. They were on flood relief duties in Balochistan. A great loss. Salute you all. pic.twitter.com/fTKy4iRNsx
— Muhammad Haroon Aslam HI(M) SBt (Lt Gen- Retd) (@AVeteran1956) August 2, 2022