VIDEO: Two pilots killed in Pakistan military trainer jet crash

A trainer aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed near Mardan city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Monday, resulting in the death of both pilots onboard the aircraft.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the aircraft was on a routine training sortie when it crashed. As a result, Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah from the PAF and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi from the Pakistan Navy embraced martyrdom.

It added that "a board of inquiry has been constituted by Air Headquarters to ascertain the cause of the accident.”

The crash, near the city of Mardan, was the second deadly military air disaster in less than a week after an army helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, killing all on board.

The statement said Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, other services chiefs and "all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces express deep grief over the tragic loss of precious lives and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.”

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and other leaders expressed deep grief over the crash of the PAF training aircraft near Mardan.

In their separate statements, the president and the prime minister paid rich tribute to both the pilots who embraced martyrdom in the tragic incident.

They prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks in Jannah and for strength to the bereaved families to bear this irreparable loss.

Zardari, expressing his heartfelt sympathy to the aggrieved families, said that the nation would always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons who laid down their lives for the defense of the homeland.

Shahbaz also extended his condolences to the bereaved families, saying that the professional competence of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the defense of the country was unparalleled.

 Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic crash of the PAF training aircraft near Mardan.

 Paying tribute to the officers, he offered prayers for the elevation of their ranks and for strength and patience for the bereaved families.

In a statement issued following the tragic incident, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the crash of the PAF training aircraft.

Pakistan's military is also investigating the helicopter crash near the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, saying it was due to a technical fault.

Officials have not said how many were onboard when it went down.

Pakistan has a chequered military and civilian aviation safety record, with frequent plane and helicopter crashes over the years especially in its mountainous areas to the north.