A Pakistan Army aviation helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday after reportedly developing a technical fault during takeoff, resulting in the martyrdom of all personnel onboard.

According to the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the MI-17 helicopter belonging to Pakistan Army Aviation encountered a technical malfunction shortly after takeoff and subsequently crashed.

Officials said the impact of the crash was severe, leaving no survivors among the personnel travelling in the aircraft. The identities and number of the martyrs have not yet been officially disclosed.

Rescue and recovery teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site and launched emergency operations. Security forces cordoned off the area while officials began efforts to recover wreckage and gather evidence related to the incident.

ISPR stated that a Board of Inquiry has been constituted to determine the exact technical reasons behind the crash. The investigation will examine all operational and mechanical aspects of the flight to establish the cause of the accident.

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff Syed Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives. The military leadership extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for strength and patience for their loved ones.

The Pakistan Army also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the deceased personnel, reaffirming its solidarity with the bereaved families during this difficult time.