Pakistan’s Top Civil-Military Brass Offers Final Farewell to MI-17 Helicopter Crash Martyrs

RAWALPINDI – Funeral prayers for military personnel martyred in tragic MI-17 helicopter crash near Muzaffarabad were offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi on Friday, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and senior civil and military leaders in attendance. Namaz-e-Janaza was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior government officials, military officers, relatives of the martyrs and members of the public. Earlier, separate funeral services for two Christian soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the crash were held at Christ Church in Rawalpindi. The services were also attended by the country’s political and military leadership, who paid tribute to the fallen personnel. Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the martyrs’ dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to defending the country. He said their sacrifice in the line of duty would continue to inspire future generations and strengthen the nation’s resolve. The premier emphasized that the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan’s armed forces for peace, security and the sovereignty of the country would never be forgotten. He also reaffirmed the government’s and nation’s support for the bereaved families during their time of grief. The martyrs will be laid to rest in their respective hometowns with full military honours, in recognition of their service and sacrifice for the nation. MI-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad claimed the lives of military personnel who were performing official duties, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the country.