Pakistan Army Helicopter Crash in Chilas, GB: Five Soldiers Including Two Majors Martyred

Photo by Nahi Khabar 24/7 – via Personal Collection

Karachi: Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter crashed near Hudor, in Chilas (District Diamer), Gilgit-Baltistan. The helicopter was on a routine training mission and was attempting a test landing at a newly constructed helipad when the tragedy occurred.

Cause of the Crash

Technical Fault

According to ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations), the crash was caused by a technical malfunction during the training flight.

Post-Crash Fire

After impact, the helicopter caught fire, which rescue teams and locals worked hard to control.

The Martyred Soldiers

The crash claimed the lives of five brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army:

Major Atif – Pilot in Command
Major Faisal – Co-Pilot
Naib Subedar Maqbool – Flight Engineer
Havaldar Jahangir – Crew Chief
Naik Amir – Crew Chief

These men embraced martyrdom in the line of duty while serving the nation.

Rescue & Emergency Response

Rescue Operation

Police, Army rescue teams, and local residents immediately reached the site. They managed to recover the bodies and extinguish the flames.

Hospital Emergency

The Chief Minister of Gilgit-Baltistan ordered emergency measures at Chilas Hospital, where doctors and staff were put on high alert to receive casualties.

Official Statements

ISPR Statement

Confirmed the accident was a result of a technical fault during a training flight.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

Expressed deep grief and sorrow, offering condolences to the families of the martyred soldiers.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi & Other Officials

Also paid tribute, acknowledging the sacrifices of the fallen heroes.

Local Authorities

The CM of GB, senior army commanders, and civil administration personally visited the crash site.

Similar Past Incidents

This is not the first time Pakistan has witnessed such tragedies:

Bajaur (2025, earlier this year) – A helicopter crash killed 5 during a relief operation.
North Waziristan (2024) – An oil company’s chopper went down due to machine failure, killing 6.
Naltar, GB (2015) – An Army MI-17 crash killed 8 people, including foreign diplomats.

Summary Table

Element	Details
Date & Time	September 1, 2025 – ~10:00 AM
Location	Hudor (Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan)
Aircraft	Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter
Mission Type	Training flight / Test landing at new helipad
Cause	Technical malfunction
Casualties	5 soldiers martyred (including 2 Majors)
Response	Immediate rescue, fire control, hospital emergency
Government Action	Condolences from PM, Interior Minister, and Army officials
Past Incidents	Bajaur (2025), Waziristan (2024), Naltar (2015)

Conclusion

The martyrdom of these five brave soldiers is a reminder of the immense risks faced by Pakistan’s armed forces during routine missions. While the loss is heartbreaking, their courage, dedication, and sacrifice will be remembered as a beacon of patriotism and resilience.