ISLAMABAD, 08 MAY, (DNA) – With a very heavy heart we are confirming that a helicopter crashed while landing in Naltar this morning. It was carrying Ambassadors of several countries, some of whom were accompanied by their spouses, Spokesman Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in an official statement.
Spokesperson MOFA informed that unfortunately, there have been fatalities and injuries sustained by those travelling in the helicopter. Ambassadors of Norway and Philippines and spouses of Ambassador of Indonesia and High Commissioner of Malaysia have, tragically, lost their lives. Besides, two pilots of the helicopter have also died.
The President, the Prime Minister, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Secretary have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over this incident and conveyed their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Ambassadors of the Netherlands and Poland have sustained injuries. The Prime Minister has directed that best possible medical and other facilities be extended to the injured.
It may be reminded that this morning, Heads of Diplomatic Mission of more than thirty countries and their family members as well as some Pakistani dignitaries were flown to Gilgit by a C-130 aircraft. From there, they were being taken to Naltar in four helicopters for a three-day excursion trip.
The helicopter that crashed was carrying seventeen persons, six of whom lost their lives. Such excursion trips are regularly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in consultation with the Diplomatic Corps.
To deal with this unfortunate situation, a Crisis Management Cell (CMC) has been established at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The contact details of the CMC are as follows:Tel: +92-51-9217828 & +92-51-9056916, E-mail: [email protected]. =DNA
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