ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilot died on Wednesday after the aircraft crashed in a remote area of Balochistan, a PAF spokesman said.
The F-7PG training aircraft was on a routine operational training mission when it suffered the mishap near the Mastung district of the southern province.
“The pilot of the aircraft embraced shahadat [martyrdom] in the tragic accident,” a brief statement issued by the PAF read.
The cause of the accident was not immediately clear. However, PAF said that an investigation has been ordered to probe the incident. “A board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident,” the statement added.
The F-7PG is a single-engine, lightweight fighter aircraft which was inducted into the PAF in 2002 as a replacement for the F-6 which was later decommissioned. The PAF uses the F-7PG for routine operational training missions.
According to reports, the PAF has lost at least 13 F-7PGs or trainer aircraft FT-7PGs in the 17 years since the induction. However, aviation experts consider this within the normal limit.
No loss of civilian life and property has been reported on ground after the crash thus far.
Pilot killed in PAF plane crash in Mastung
Pilot killed in PAF plane crash in Mastung
- Aircraft was on a routine operational training mission
- Committee to probe cause of the accident
Pakistan to promote mineral sector at Saudi forum this month with 13 companies
- Delegation will take part in the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh from Jan. 13-15
- Petroleum minister will lead Pakistan, participate in a 90-minute country session
ISLAMABAD: Around 13 Pakistani state-owned and private companies will attend the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) in Saudi Arabia from Jan. 13 to 15, an official statement said on Friday, as the country seeks to ramp up global engagement to develop its mineral resources.
The FMF is an international conference and investment platform for the mining sector, hosted by mineral-rich countries to attract global investors, companies and governments.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed Pakistan’s participation in a meeting with the Saudi envoy, Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki.
Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest copper-gold zones. The Reko Diq mine in southwestern Balochistan, with an estimated 5.9 billion tons of ore, is partly owned by Barrick Gold, which calls it one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold deposits. Its development is expected to boost Pakistan’s struggling economy.
“Upon an invitation of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Federal Minister informed the Ambassador that Pakistan will fully participate in the upcoming Future Minerals Forum (FMF), scheduled to be held in Riyadh later this month,” Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID) said in an official statement.
The Pakistani minister will lead his country’s delegation at the FMF and take part in a 90-minute country showcase session titled “Unleashing Potential: Accelerating Pakistan’s Mineral Revolution” along with local and foreign investors.
Pakistan will also establish a dedicated pavilion to highlight the vast potential of its rich geological landscape to the global mineral community.
The Saudi envoy welcomed Pakistan’s decision to participate in the forum and discussed enhancing bilateral cooperation in the minerals and energy sectors during the meeting.
According to the statement, he highlighted the potential for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in the minerals and energy sectors, expressing confidence that the FMF would provide a platform to expand collaboration.
Pakistan’s mineral sector, despite its rich reserves of salt, copper, gold and coal, contributes only 3.2 percent to the country’s GDP and just 0.1 percent to global mineral exports.
However, many countries, including the United States, have shown interest in Pakistan’s underdeveloped mineral sector, particularly in copper, gold and other critical resources.
In October, Pakistan dispatched its first-ever shipment of rare earth and critical minerals to the United States, according to a Chicago-based US public relations firm’s report.
