A Pakistani Air Force training aircraft crashed on Monday near the city of Mardan in the country’s northwest, resulting in the deaths of both pilots aboard, military officials confirmed. The incident occurred during a routine training mission in an open area close to the city.

The military identified the deceased pilots as Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah of the Pakistan Air Force and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi of the Navy. Authorities have initiated a board of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

In response to the tragedy, several top government and military leaders issued statements expressing their condolences. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and representatives of the armed forces all conveyed their deep sorrow over the loss and extended sympathies to the families of the fallen pilots. Further details regarding the cause of the crash have not yet been released.