A Mirage fighter plane of Pakistan Air Force crashed in eastern Punjab province today, killing the pilot, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) said. "Pakistan Air Force announces with deep regret the crash of a Mirage Aircraft near Pai Khel (Mianwali)," a PAF statement said here.

Mianwali is situated some 230 kilometers southwest of Islamabad. The aircraft was on an exercise operational mission, the PAF said. PAF officer Air Commodore Tahir Ameen Butt confirmed the death of pilot Wing Commander Rizwanullah.

The plane crashed due to bad weather and heavy rains in the area, he said. No loss of life or property has been reported on ground, the PAF statement said.

District Police Officer of Mianwali, Aslam Khan Ghauri, said the plane came down in the mountains area this morning. "Police teams found the wreckage after intensive search of few hours. The wreckage was scattered in the mountains," Ghauri said.

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