Pakistan Army’s Mi-17 helicopter crashes near Muzaffarabad amid massive protests in PoK, all 21 personnel killed

A Pakistan Army Mi-17 helicopter crashed on Wednesday during take-off near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), with all 21 personnel on board losing their lives, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has confirmed.

According to the official military statement, the Russian-made medium-lift transport helicopter went down due to a technical fault shortly after becoming airborne. “All personnel on board embraced shahadat. There were no survivors,” the ISPR said, adding that rescue and recovery teams reached the crash site immediately. A board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the precise technical cause of the accident.

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and all ranks of the army “express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families”, the ISPR said.

Senior Pakistani leaders, including Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have expressed deep grief and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. The Pakistan Army has described the personnel as having made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Videos circulating on social media show thick plumes of black smoke rising over the hilly, densely populated valley near Muzaffarabad. The Mi-17, a workhorse of the Pakistan Army Aviation for troop transport and logistics in challenging terrain, has been involved in similar technical mishaps in the past, though this is the first major incident of its kind in the current year.

The tragedy unfolded amid heightened tensions and widespread unrest across PoK. For several days, the region has seen intense anti-government protests led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), with demonstrators demanding cheaper electricity, wheat subsidies, hydropower royalties, and greater political autonomy. Violent clashes have erupted in places like Rawalakot in the region, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries, while a shutdown call on Tuesday brought cities including Muzaffarabad to a standstill. 27 people have been killed in firing by the Pakistani military on protestors during the shutdown.

Pakistani officials have ruled out any hostile action in the helicopter incident, despite speculation in some quarters.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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