A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Mirage fighter jet crashed during a routine training mission near Chak 412 JB Cheemian Wali, located approximately 12 kilometers from Shorkot Rafiqui airbase. The incident occurred on Tuesday, raising concerns about the safety and maintenance of military aircraft.
According to a police spokesperson, the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft before the crash and sustained no injuries. However, a local resident, Ikhlaq Ahmad, was injured and transported to a nearby hospital. No damage to property was reported on the ground.
Preliminary reports suggest the crash was likely caused by a technical fault in the aircraft. Rescue 1122 teams promptly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and secure the area. Shorkot DSP and local police officials also established a cordon around the crash site to ensure safety and initiate investigations.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of PAF aircraft crashes in recent years. Several similar incidents have occurred during training exercises, prompting questions about aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and overall safety protocols within the air force.
While the crash caused alarm among local residents, the safe ejection of the pilot and the limited damage to property have brought some relief. The injured civilian, Ikhlaq Ahmad, is reportedly in stable condition.
