At least 22 people were killed after a Pakistani military helicopter crashed in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to security sources cited by Reuters on Thursday.
The Pakistani military said the Mi-17 helicopter went down due to a technical malfunction while operating near Muzaffarabad, the capital of the disputed Kashmir region. All military crew members on board were killed in the crash, while officials initially did not disclose the total number of passengers.
The incident occurred amid protests and a strike organized by the recently banned Joint Public Action Committee, a coalition of various groups. However, the military stated there was no indication that the crash was linked to the demonstrations.
Rescue and emergency teams were deployed immediately to the crash site, and authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
Military aviation accidents have occurred periodically in Pakistan in recent years. In September 2025, another military helicopter crashed during a routine flight in northern Pakistan, killing two pilots and three technicians.
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