On the morning of September 1, 2025, a Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed tragically near Hudor village in Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan, resulting in the loss of all five personnel on board. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the crash occurred during a routine training mission due to a technical fault .
Incident Overview
At approximately 10:00 AM, the MI-17 helicopter, piloted by Major Atif and co-piloted by Major Faisal, experienced a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff. Despite efforts to return to base, the aircraft crash-landed near Hudor village, about 12 kilometers from Thakdas Cantonment . The crash resulted in a fire, tragically claiming the lives of all five crew members
Victims Identified
The five martyrs were:
Major Atif – Pilot in command
Major Faisal – Co-pilot
Naib Subedar Maqbool – Flight engineer
Havaldar Jahangir – Crew chief
Naik Amir – Crew chief
These individuals were part of a routine training mission aimed at preparing for natural disasters and other relief operations. Their sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces in the line of duty.
Official Response
Following the helicopter crash incident, Diamer Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Abdul Hameed confirmed the crash, stating that the helicopter was conducting a test landing on a newly proposed helipad when it crashed.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, directing authorities to impose an emergency at Chilas Hospital and ensure the immediate availability of medical staff. He also paid tribute to the martyred personnel, calling their sacrifice a source of pride for the nation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed their grief over the helicopter crash near Chilas. They paid tribute to the five martyred personnel, including Majors Atif and Faisal, and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the families of the deceased. They affirmed that the martyred officers achieved the highest honor while performing their duty and shared in the grief of their families.
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Investigation and Outlook
The ISPR has initiated an investigation into the cause of the helicopter crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the helicopter developed a technical fault, leading to the crash. Given the challenging mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan, such incidents highlight the risks associated with air operations in the region. Authorities are committed to determining the exact cause to prevent future occurrences.
Final Thoughts
The helicopter crash near Chilas is a somber reminder of the risks faced by military personnel during training and operational missions. The loss of five dedicated individuals underscores the sacrifices made by the armed forces in service to the nation. As investigations continue, the nation stands united in honoring their memory and supporting their families during this difficult time.
