The incident occurred during the rehearsal of March 23 Pakistan Day parade. Security forces have surrounded the area and rescue ambulances have reached the site, according to reports. The pilot, OC 9 Squadron Griffins (PAF Base Mushaf), was trying to steer the plane away from populated areas. 

Noman Akram
PAF Wing Commander Noman Akram. Twitter

Crash occurred during rehearsals for Pakistan Day 

According to sources, the plane crashed near the Chanda Tara jungle located in the area. The plane was carrying out routine exercises for the March 23 parade when it crashed, the air force said.  A board of inquiry has been ordered by Air Headquarters to determine the cause of the accident, the PAF said.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16
A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 aircraft taking off from an unidentified airfield.

The pilot, Noman Akram, was said to be the winner of the Sher Afghan Trophy for best marksman in Inter Squadron Armament Competition.