The Chengdu J-7 (Export Version F-7) is a clone of the Soviet Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21

"A PAF FT-7 aircraft on a routine operational training mission crashed near Mianwali, some 300 km from Lahore," according to a press release issued by the Pakistan Air Force. Both pilots - Squadron Leader Haris bin Khalid and Flying Officer Ibaad ur Rehman - lost their lives in the crash, it said. A board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of accident

LAHORE: An aircraft of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) crashed in Punjab province, killing both pilots aboard.

"A PAF FT-7 aircraft on a routine operational training mission crashed near Mianwali, some 300 km from Lahore," according to a press release issued by the PAF.

Both pilots - Squadron Leader Haris bin Khalid and Flying Officer Ibaad ur Rehman - lost their lives in the crash, it said.

A board of inquiry has been ordered by the Air Headquarters to determine the cause of accident.

The plane fell in an open area in Mianwali which is also the native town of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Rescue teams reached the spot and shifted the bodies to the combined military hospital. They have also cordoned off the area.

According to an official, the pilots did not seem to have got the chance to eject before the crash.