Islamabad: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet crashed near Shakarparian area in Islamabad on Wednesday, killing the pilot, PAF officials confirmed.
“Pakistan Air Force reports with regret that a PAF F-16 aircraft crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad during the rehearsals of 23rd March parade,” the PAF said in a statement.
The plane was on a rehearsal drill for the upcoming Pakistan Day parade, a highly sought after an event where the army displays its might before the general public and foreign dignitaries.
A Pakistani F-16 fighter crashed during a rehearsal ahead of Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 11, 2020. (Video Courtesy: Social Media)
Wing Commander Noman Akram has died in the accident.
Security officials and rescue teams arrived at the crash site and cordoned off the area.
According to initial reports, the aircraft hit high tension wires. No other casualties have been reported.
“A board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident,” PAF said.
President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the accident.