President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the crash of PAF trainer aircraft near Mardan.

In their separate statements, they paid tribute to Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi, who embraced martyrdom in the incident.

The President, in his statement, prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and fortitude for the bereaved families.

Asif Ali Zardari said the nation will always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons who laid down their lives in the defence of the homeland. He also expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences with the grieving families.

In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi and grant of fortitude for the bereaved families.

The Prime Minister said professional competence of the Pakistan Armed Forces for the defense of the country is unparalleled.