ISLAMABAD: The capital’s weather conditions prevented a clean-up operation in Shakarparian to remove the wreckage of a Pakistan Air Force F-16 that crashed in the area during a rehearsal for the Pakistan Day parade.

The crash site was cordoned off by security forces and the wreckage covered until it can be removed. The police have been deployed at points leading toward the site.

The police said they sealed the area at the request of security forces. Pickets were set up at Chand Tara Chowk, the Gun Club and Lok Virsa to keep the public from entering.

A three-point police deployment including of traffic staff was made at the outer cordon, they said, adding that the wreckage will be removed once the weather improves.

The crash was also reported in the Aabpara police station daily diary – roznamcha – the police said.

The report said an F-16 crashed in Shakarparian during Pakistan Day rehearsals after the plane collided with power lines hanging there. Police and rescue officials were informed of the incident around 10:57am.

The police report said that the pilot of the F-16 was martyred in the incident, and added that further legal action would be initiated if necessary.

Police, including the Counter Terrorism Force, along with firefighters and paramedics were at the scene of the incident, they said.

The police cordoned off the area and security forces took over shortly after, they said. The police, rescue workers and media fell back on orders from security forces.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2020