Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry has ruled out any possibility of terrorism in Naltar tragedy and said the crash occurred due to technical failure of the helicopter engine whereas 12 people out of 19 onboard were rescued. Addressing a news conference on Friday night, the foreign secretary said that as many as 30 ambassadors left for Gilgit on Friday morning who later left for Naltar where Prime Minister Nawaz Shairf was going to inaugurate a chair lift to attract more tourists.
He said the Prime Minister had given permission for trip of diplomats at the request of Dean of Diplomatic Corps. He said that 12 out of 19 were rescued of which five were crew members, 12 dignitaries and two officers. He said that those who lost their lives in the accident include Ambassadors of Philippines and Norway, the wives of Malaysian and Indonesian envoys, pilots Major Faisal and Major Altamash and a crew member Subaidar Zakir. He said that those injured in the crash were shifted to CMH Gilgit. He said that the body of the Indonesian Ambassador had 75 percent burns injuries while the rest of the injured were out of danger.
He said that four helicopters left Gilgit for Naltar of which two landed safely whereas the third one unfortunately crash landed a few yards from the destination while fourth one was still in the air. He said Pakistan Army had arranged top class security for the visitors to Naltar and claims of TTP about hitting the helicopter were bogus. Foreign Secretary said that under instructions of the Prime Minister, Pakistan Army had deployed about one thousand troops for security purpose and all the surrounding mountain tops were covered by these personnel. He said Pakistan Air Force had developed a skiing resort at Naltar and installed a chair lift there, which was to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister in the presence of the members of the diplomatic corps. The prime minister was also scheduled to land in Naltar, but after news of the crash, he was flown back to Islamabad. "PM Nawaz did want to go to the crash site, but his visit would have required many security formulations that are currently being utilised in the relief and rescue operation, which is why he cancelled his plan," he said.
He said the idea to arrange the function was to contribute to the development of this beautiful area. Similar trips were arranged in the past as well, including those to Skardu, Shigar, North Waziristan and Army Public School in Peshawar. Answering a question, he said the Chief of Army Staff has asked for investigation board headed by a Brigadier. He said that some technical members of the team have reached the site of the crash and others are on their way.
He said the black box of the ill-fated helicopter has been recovered which help ascertain the real reason behind the crash. Answering another question, he said the helicopter was commissioned in 2002 and was regularly being serviced. The latest service was carried out just eleven hours before the accident. Aizaz Chaudhry said presently the priority of the Government was to transport bodies, the injured and others back to Islamabad. They could not be airlifted to Islamabad today (Friday) due to bad weather and arrangements have been made to bring them back tomorrow (Saturday). He said arrangements are being made with PIA for taking the remains of the dead to their respective countries with full honour and respect. He said that Pakistani officials would accompany the bodies to their respective countries.
On a question, the Foreign Secretary said presently the countries whose ambassadors have been killed are seeking more information, which is being provided to them. He said the Prime Minister has already announced a one-day mourning today (Saturday). Our national flag in Pakistan and in our missions abroad would fly half mast, he said. The Foreign Secretary said the Prime Minister has given instructions for best possible medical treatment to the injured. On their arrival in Islamabad, they would be shifted to PIMS, Shifa International and Burns Centre Kharian for treatment, he said. He said the crew of the helicopter saved precious lives after crash, risking their own lives and one Army Subedar was killed during the rescue operation.
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