ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jet crashed near Zero Point in Islamabad on Wednesday while it was engaged in the rehearsal for the upcoming Pakistan Day Parade, the Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency reported.
Sources said that it was F-16 which crashed at Chaand Taara Chowk area near Shakarparian Parade Ground wherein the armed forces would perform the joint military parade on March 23 to mark ’80th Pakistan Day’.
In the ill-fated incident, the Wing Commander Noman Akram embraced martyrdom (Shahadat) as reported by BBC Urdu citing the confirmation of the PAF Spokesperson.
Breaking: A PAF’s F-16 Jet crashed in #Islamabad during a #23rdMarch preparations. pic.twitter.com/hwsewhDqJc
— Islamabad (@Islaamabad) March 11, 2020
Meanwhile, security forces have surrounded the area and 1122 ambulances have reached the site.
Footage of the F-16 Crash in Islamabad
CCTV Footage of the F-16 Crash in Islamabad
An official statement from the PAF states that “Pakistan Air Force reports with regret that a PAF F-16 aircraft crashed near Shakarparian, Islamabad during the rehearsals of 23rd March parade. Rescue teams have been dispatched towards the site of the crash. A board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident.”
Wg Cdr Nauman Akram shaheed – March 11, 2020 pic.twitter.com/pvHslHtHiv
— PAF Falcons (@PAF_Falcons) March 11, 2020
The martyred Wing Commander Noman Akram was the winner of the Sher Afghan Trophy for best marksman in the Inter Squadron Armament Competition 2019.
Paying glowing tribute on shahadat of brave heart Wing Commander Noman Akram in the line of duty, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said ”Laying one’s life is the ultimate sacrifice one can make for defence of the motherland. May his soul rest in peace. My thoughts and sincere prayers for the bereaved family.”
I was on crash site. He gave his life to protect many civilian lives and also many important buildings. He saved Pak – China Friendship Center, Aabpara Market, Serena Hotel and took the plane towards woods in shakarparian. May Allah bless him with highest level of paradise https://t.co/DfSR5PfLv1
— Muhammed Hamza Shafqaat (@hamzashafqaat) March 11, 2020
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate crash ahead of 23rd March. May the departed soul of Shaheed Wing Commander Noman Akram rest in eternal peace and may Allah grant their loved ones sabr. Ameen pic.twitter.com/PDJADnZFKy— Asad Qaiser (@AsadQaiserPTI) March 11, 2020
Embassy of Ukraine in Pakistan condoles tragic incident
On behalf of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Ambassador Mr. Volodymyr Lakomov expressed deep and sincere condolences on the loss of the precious life of Wing Commander Noman Akram, pilot of the Pakistan Air Force, died in an aircraft crash this morning in Islamabad. while rehearsing for the upcoming March 23rd parade. We are shocked of the tragedy and feeling very sad. Our colleagues knew and appreciated mastership of this great and highly professional pilot, our condolences to the family of martyred Pakistani officer.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan in Pakistan in an condolence message said:
Very saddened and grieved to see this cadres of plane crash and news on martyrdom of a pilot. Allah bless his soul. Condolences and Sabr to his family. pic.twitter.com/cWb431lAwG
— Ali Alizada 🇦🇿 (@Ali_F_Alizada) March 11, 2020
