PAF part compensates affectees of Mardan air crash

Rest of the payment will be made when the Board of Inquiry is finalised.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force on Tuesday distributed compensation cheques among the affectees of the Rashakai, Mardan air crash, which took place near the PAF Academy Risalpur on May 17.

Four pilots flying two trainer aircraft had died in the crash, with the rubble injuring 11 others on ground along with causing structural damage to houses.

A PAF press release issued on Tuesday said that the PAF had compensated affectees from its Non-Public Fund for 50 per cent of the house and household damages incurred.

Air Vice Marshal Syed Hasan Raza the Air Officer Commanding PAF Academy Risalpur, handed over the cheques worth Rs0.425 million to Zafar and Rs0.35 Million to Niaz in a small ceremony.

The release said damage assessment to houses had been carried out by the PAF’s Damage Assessment Committee.

The Govt of Pakistan pays Ex-Gratia compensation to the affectees of Air Crash / accidents from its Public Funds after the finalisation of formal Board of Inquiry.   Since the inquiry will take time to complete, the Air Chief while taking into account the losses of Air Crash affectees, directed to pay 50 per cent compensation immediately from PAF’s own Non Public Funds.  The rest will be disbursed to the affectees as soon as the government approves funds after finalisation of Board of Inquiry.

PAF has also paid an amount of Rs 10,000/- each to the eight people who received minor injuries.   These minor injuries were treated at the PAF Hospital Risalpur and CMH Nowshera.