A Pakistani military helicopter carrying a top military official has gone missing in the Lasbela district, situated in the province of Balochistan. 

The aircraft was carrying six people, including the Commander of 12 Corps, Lieutenant General Sarfaraz Ali, and several top military officials.  

According to a statement given by a spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, the helicopter lost contact with air traffic control (ATC) on the evening of August 1, 2022, while it was taking part in a flood relief operation.  

Pakistani media reported that initial search efforts were hampered by bad weather. However, as of the morning of August 2, the search continues.   

A series of flash floods completely submerged dozens of villages in Pakistan’s southern provinces as the country battles uncharacteristically heavy rains during this year’s monsoon season.