RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army helicopter which was on flood relief operations in Lasbela district of Balochistan lost contact with the Air Traffic Control (ATC), said a handout issued by the ISPR.
The six-member crew also included Quetta Corps Commander Lt. Gen. Sarfraz Ali who was supervising flood relief operations in Balochistan. A search operation is underway.
The armed forces teams’ rescue and relief operations were underway across the country including in the flood-hit areas of Balochistan as the province’s death toll from devastating floods rose to 149 including 46 children on Monday.
According to a report released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, a total of 13,535 houses have collapsed or are partially damaged due to the ongoing heavy rains and floods while 430 people and 24,000 cattle has died in the flooding.
The rains and flood have also severely affected six highways covering 640 kilometres.
Prayers pour in
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed concerns over the disappearance of the military helicopter.
“The entire nation is praying to Allah Almighty for the safety, security and return of these sons of the country who were out to help the flood victims,” the premier wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan in a tweet said: “Disturbing news of army aviation helicopter missing and praying for all those on board.”
“The whole nation is worried about the news of the disappearance of the army aviation helicopter. We pray to Allah that all the travellers are safe,” former foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry also prayed for the safety and recovery of the army officials, saying he has a brotherly bond with Lt Gen Sarfaraz Ali.
Other politicians, government officials and people belonging to different walks of life echoed the same sentiments and prayed for the safety and early recovery of the military officers.
