Qazi Zafar of renowned flying family succumbs to injuries; companion critically hurt
Peshawar pilot succumbs to injuries. PHOTO: EXPRESS
PESHAWAR:
Another pilot from the well-known Qazi family, long associated with the Peshawar Flying Club, has lost his life in a microlight aircraft accident. Qazi Zafar was killed when his aircraft crashed during a flight in Punjab's Jhang district on Saturday.
According to local sources, Qazi Zafar was piloting the microlight when the aircraft met with the accident. A friend travelling with him was also on board and sustained serious injuries in the crash. Qazi Zafar, however, could not survive his wounds and succumbed soon afterwards. Sources said the pilot had returned to Pakistan from abroad only a short while ago.
The tragic incident has cast a shadow of grief over the Qazi family and the wider community in Landi Arbab, Peshawar, from where the late pilot hailed.
Former Member of the Provincial Assembly Malik Wajidullah Khan expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death. In a statement, he described Qazi Zafar's sudden demise as a painful tragedy that has left the pilot's family, relatives and local residents in mourning.
"The sudden death of Qazi Zafar is a deeply unfortunate incident. His family, loved ones and the people of the area are grief-stricken. In this hour of sorrow we stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family," Malik Wajidullah Khan said.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grant the late pilot complete forgiveness, elevate him to a high rank in Paradise, and bestow patience upon all those left behind.
The accident has once again highlighted the risks faced by light-aircraft enthusiasts in the country. Further details about the cause of the crash are awaited.
It may be recalled that the renowned Qazi family of Peshawar (Landi Arbab) has a history of passion for amateur aviation, manufacturing gliders, and piloting aircraft, but this pursuit has unfortunately resulted in multiple tragic and fatal accidents rather than injuries.
Historically, the family's amateur aviation journey began in the late 1980s when Qazi Sajjad and his brothers started building home-made gliders out of parachute material and bamboo sticks. Early on, their maiden flight crashed into trees, leaving the pilot seriously injured. Later, the family suffered a string of devastating losses:
Qazi Ajmal lost his life in December 2021 when his small gyrocopter crashed into the mountains near Kund Malir in Balochistan. His family noted that he was compelled to take off in pitch darkness due to security threats in the area, leading to the fatal crash. Following this incident, the family announced they would quit their flying practices.