Pakistan’s top military brass, Bangladesh express condolences over ‘tragic death’ of Gen Rawat, others

Islamabad, December 8

Pakistan’s top military brass on Wednesday expressed condolences over the “tragic death” of India’s Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others who died in a helicopter crash in Tamil Nadu.

Pakistan Army’s spokesman in a short statement posted on Twitter said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa expressed condolences.

“General Nadeem Raza, CJCSC & General Qamar Javed Bajwa, COAS express condolences on tragic death of #CDS General #BipinRawat, his wife and loss of precious lives in a helicopter crash in India,” Pakistan Armed Forces Spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar tweeted.

Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, has “expressed his condolences on the tragic death of Indian CDS Gen Bipin Rawat, his spouse, and 11 other passengers/crew members in the helicopter crash”, according to a statement by PAF.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “deeply shocked to learn the sad demise” of General Rawat and his wife at a tragic helicopter crash.

“Bangladesh has lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of India and the bereaved family,” it said in a tweet.

The copter carrying Gen Rawat and his entourage crashed in apparently foggy conditions, killing the 13 people on board, the Indian Air Force said. One person survived the crash and is being treated at a hospital. PTI