MIANWALI – Pakistan’s proud daughter, Pakistan Air Force Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar died when a PAF trainer jet crashed near Kundian, Mianwali, Tuesday afternoon.
Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar and Squadron Leader Saqib Abbasi were flying a training mission on an FT-7PG aircraft and encountered a “serious in-flight emergency” during the final stages, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), said official PAF statement.
“Flying Officer Marium embraced martyrdom and became the first lady pilot from PAF to attain this great honour,” it said.
“Both pilots handled the emergency with professionalism and courage and tried to save the aircraft till the last minute, ensuring safety of property and the civilian population on the ground,” read the statement.
They ejected from the aircraft and sustained injuries. They were being treated at a nearby military hospital, where Flying Officer Marium Mukhtiar succumbed to her injuries.
Mukhtar was 24 years old and hailed from Karachi.
In an interview with BBC early last year, Mukhtar talked about the challenges of being a female pilot in a male-dominated environment. Mukhtar said she joined the air force because she was inspired by the “pomp” and wanted to do “something different.” She also said her mother had been concerned about her decision to join the force but had supported her throughout.
Amid this sad accident, many worried Pakistanis took to Twitter, using hashtag #MariamMukhtar, to share their grief and show solidarity with her family:
Flying Officer Mariam Mukhtar embraced martyrdom in #PAF FT-7 crash near Mianwali. Rest in peace comrade! pic.twitter.com/sTsYJLb7P6
— Maverick (@iFighterPilot) November 24, 2015
Flying Officer Mariaum was Martyred in the line of duty as her F-7 Fighter Jet crashed in Mianwali today. #Respect pic.twitter.com/LvOO4AVNR3
— Pakistan Defence (@defencepk) November 24, 2015
Sad to know about #PAF Female Pilot #MariamMukhtar training jet crashing near Mianwali due to some technical issue in the plane.
— AVM (r) Shahid Latif (@AVCShahidLatif) November 24, 2015
A shining star left us. Mariam Mukhtar embraced martyrdom in crash near Mianwali. May Allah bless you. pic.twitter.com/aadNyACFsW
— Usman Dar (@UdarOfficial) November 24, 2015