Karachi: 4 killed, 3 injured as PAF trainer jet crashes in Baldia Town

KARACHI: Four persons including the pilot and co-pilot were killed and three others injured when a training jet of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed in Baldia Town area of Karachi on Tuesday, Geo News reported.

According to sources, a PAF fighter jet crashed near a bus stand in Yousuf Goth area of Baldia Town during a routine training session. As soon as the jet came down, a blast occurred and fire broke out that engulfed several buses at the bus stand.

Four persons including a pilot, co-pilot and two civilians lost their lives in the unfortunate incident. Three others also sustained injuries in the mishap who were shifted to hospital for treatment.

The PAF spokesman has confirmed the incident.

Rescue teams, fire brigades and PAF personnel reached the crash site and kicked off rescue efforts immediately.

Further details about the accident are yet to be confirmed.

PAF role crucial to make country’s defence invincible: COAS

SARGODHA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has said Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has a crucial role to make the country's defence invincible.

He was addressing the ceremony regarding induction of Fourth Squadron of F-16 planes into PAF fleet at Mushaf Airbase in Sargodha Wednesday.

The army chief said the induction of these aircrafts would further increase the professional capabilities of the PAF.

He said role of Mushaf Airbase is immensely important in the country's defense.

Lauding the cooperation of Royal Jordanian Air Force and the Kingdom of Jordan, the Army Chief said this initiative would strengthen the existing historic bonds between the two countries.

Earlier, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Tahir Rafique Butt in his address said addition of new squadron in the fleet will increase PAF's capacity in combating both internal as well as external challenges.

He thanked the prime minister for giving go ahead to complete this project despite financial constraints.

PAF can meet all challenges including that of Taliban: Air chief

 

SARGODHA: Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force (PAF), has said the PAF is ready to cope with all challenges, including any operation against the Taliban.
He was talking to the media on the occasion of the induction of the first batch of F-16 jets comprising five aircraft from Jordan here on Sunday. An impressive ceremony was held to induct these aircraft in the inventory of the PAF. Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt was the chief guest on the occasion.

Nawaf Khalifa Saraieh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Pakistan, and other high ranking officers from the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Army also attended the ceremony.The air chief said that these aircraft would enhance the PAF capability to counter any internal and external threats.

He further said that PAF would perform its duties as envisaged by the Government of Pakistan. He also said that these aircraft had been purchased from Jordan at a nominal cost.“The aircraft have been purchased from the Royal Jordanian Air Force after a series of negotiations held between the concerned ministries and the concerted efforts of Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt,” an official said.

According to a senior PAF official, in order to avoid extra burden on the national exchequer, the PAF opted for the used planes as they have been acquired at a nominal cost per bird and could serve for a longer duration.

The PAF has acquired a squadron of F-16A/B aircraft, which were in the use of Royal Jordania.The first batch has been flown by PAF pilots from Jordan while the remaining aircraft are planned to be flown in to Pakistan very soon. Acquisition of these aircraft would not only augment the aerial defence of the country but also greatly assist in pilot training. Additionally, it is yet another manifestation of the brotherly relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the two air forces. The PAF is already effectively using this state of the art, multi-role aircraft for the past three decades. The purchased aircraft are in immaculate condition and have been upgraded for flying in the coming years.Earlier, on the arrival of the air chief, he was received by Air Vice Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Air Officer Commanding Central Air Command.

PAF C-130 airlifts edible for drought-stricken Thar areas

KARACHI: A Pakistan Air Force C-130 carrying edibles for the people of drought stricken areas of Tharparker landed at Talhar, a forward airfield of PAF on the instructions of Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force.
The PAF C-130 air-lifted food supplies for quick dispensation to the drought stricken areas of Thar.
A PAF statement here on Sunday said that the C-130 load of 30,000 Lbs comprised milk, medicines and food items and were handed over by Base Commander PAF Base Faisal, Air Commodore Zahid Kiyani to the District Coordination Officer (DCO) Badin on behalf of all ranks and files of Pakistan Air Force for distribution in the Mithi, Diplo and Chachro, the affected Tehsils of Tharparker, Sindh.