Mardan: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the crash of a PAF trainer aircraft near Mardan. In their separate statements, they paid tribute to Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi, who embraced martyrdom in the incident. According to Radio Pakistan, the President prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and fortitude for the bereaved families. Asif Ali Zardari emphasized that the nation will always remember the sacrifices of its brave sons who laid down their lives for the defense of the homeland. He also conveyed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the grieving families. In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Muhammad Qasim Abdullah and Lieutenant Taha Abbasi and for granting fortitude to the bereaved families. The Prime Minister highlighted the unparalleled professional competence of the Pakistan Armed Forces in d efending the country.