Pakistan denies as "bogus" Taliban claim of shooting army helicopter

Pakistan on Friday dismissed as " bogus" claim by the Taliban of shooting a military helicopter that killed ambassadors of Norway and Philippines in northern areas of the country.

Speaking at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad ruled out possibility of terrorism in the tragedy and said the crash occurred due to technical failure of the engine of the helicopter.

A military helicopter, carrying Islamabad-based diplomats, came down near Gilgit while making a crash landing due to engine failure, Ahmad said.

"Pakistan Army had arranged top class security for the visitors and claims of TTP about hitting the helicopter are bogus," said the top diplomat, who was flanked by the army and air force officers who also gave details of the incident.

Ahmad explained that under instructions of the prime minister, Pakistan Army had deployed about 1,000 troops for security purpose and all the surrounding mountain tops were covered by these personnel.

The foreign secretary said two of the helicopter landed safely at Naltar area and the third one met the accident due to technical fault near the site of landing.

He said the prime minister had given permission for trip of about 30 diplomats at the request of Dean of Diplomatic Corps. He said Pakistan Air Force had developed a skiing resort at Naltar and a chair lift there was to be inaugurated by the prime minister in the presence of the members of the diplomatic corps.

"The idea to arrange the function was to contribute to the development of this beautiful area," he said, adding similar trips for diplomats were arranged in the past as well including those to Skardu, Shigar areas in northern Pakistan, North Waziristan tribal region and the Taliban-hit Army Public School in Peshawar.

He said the Army Chief has constituted an investigation board headed by a Brigadier. Some members of the investigation teams have reached at the site of the tragedy and others are on their way. The Board has started investigations and soon it would become clear as to what happened. The official said black box of the ill- fated helicopter has been recovered.

To another question about the crashed chopper, he said the helicopter was commissioned in 2002 and was regularly being serviced. Latest service was carried out just eleven hours before the accident.

Ahmad said the priority of the government is to transport dead bodies, injured and other dignitaries back to Islamabad.

To a question, the Foreign Secretary said presently the countries whose ambassadors have been killed are seeking more information, which is being provided to them.

He said the prime minister has already announced one-day mourning on Saturday and national flag in Pakistan and in Pakistani missions abroad would fly half mast. He said a memorial service would also be arranged afterwards.

The diplomat said arrangements have also been made for airlifting mortal remains of the dead to their respective countries with full honor and respect. Pakistani ministers and senior officials would accompany the dead bodies to their respective countries. Endi