Quetta (LTN NEWS): Monday night in Balochistan, a helicopter with top military officials on board went missing.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that a Pakistani army aviation helicopter that was helping with flood relief in Lasbela, Balochistan, lost contact with air traffic control (ATC).
In a phone call with Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif got the latest information about the missing Army Aviation helicopter.
The COAS told the Prime Minister that search operations have been going on since last night.
Six people were on board, including Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali, Commander of the XII Corps, who was in charge of the flood relief operations in Balochistan. Some news reports also said that the head of the Pakistan Coast Guard, Brigadier Amjad Hanif Satti, was on the missing helicopter.
At the time of going to press, a search operation was still going on, and the military’s media arm said that more information would be shared as it became available.
The prime minister was worried about the safety of Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali, who was in charge of the 12th Corps, and the other six officials and soldiers who were on the helicopter.
He said that Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali was a complete professional and a good person.
The prime minister said that the whole country was very upset about what happened and was praying for the safe return of the brave sons of the land.
He said that the officers and jawans who helped the flood victims were a great example of service and dedication.
He said that the real strength of the Pakistani people was how they helped their brothers, sisters, and children when they were in trouble.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on Twitter, “It is very worrying to hear that an Army Aviation helicopter has gone missing. The whole country prays to Allah for the safety and return of those who are helping with flood relief.
Parvez Elahi, the Chief Minister of Punjab, wrote in a tweet, “I am praying for the passengers. May Allah keep all of the army officers safe.”
Imran Khan, the leader of the PTI, wrote, “Disturbing news that an army aviation helicopter has gone missing. Please pray for everyone on board.”
Maryam Nawaz, who is the vice president of the PML-N, also prayed for the officers’ safety.
