RAWALPINDI: Funeral prayers for the military personnel who lost their lives in the MI-17 helicopter crash in Muzaffarabad were offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi on Thursday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, senior civil and military officials, family members of the deceased, and members of the public.

Earlier, separate funeral services for two Christian soldiers who were among those killed in the crash were held at Christ Church in Rawalpindi. Political and military leaders also attended those services.

According to the ISPR, the personnel embraced martyrdom in the helicopter crash that occurred in Muzaffarabad on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the deceased personnel, describing their service, professionalism and commitment to national duty as a source of inspiration for future generations.

He said the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in support of the country’s peace, security and sovereignty would be remembered and reaffirmed the government’s support for the families of the deceased.

The ISPR stated that the martyrs will be laid to rest in their respective hometowns with full military honours.

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