COAS lauds Pakistan team's rescue efforts in quake-hit Turkiye, Syria

Army chief briefed on Pakistan Army team's rescue and relief efforts for earthquake victims of in Türkiye and Syria

ISLAMABAD:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited the Engineers Division headquarters in Rawalpindi on Wednesday and appreciated the professionalism and commendable work done by the Army's ‘USAR team’ during their rescue efforts in earthquake-hit Turkiye and Syria.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief was briefed in detail on the efforts carried out by Pakistan Army's Urban Search and Rescue Team for the victims of the Türkiye and Syria earthquake.

The COAS met and interacted with the rescue team members and highlighted the importance of Pakistan's enduring strategic relations with Türkiye and Syria and the need to assist, particularly in times of crisis.

Also watch: Pakistani rescuers depart from Turkiye amid applause

After winning the hearts of the people of Turkiye, the Pakistan Army Urban Search and Rescue team comprising 33 members returned to the country on Friday after completing its 17-day rescue operation conducted in the earthquake-affected areas of the brotherly country.

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) squad from Pakistan comprised a 33-member Pakistan Army USAR team and 53-member Rescue 1122 team.

International and Turkish media praised the Pakistani team for arriving first and leaving at the very end of relief and rescue efforts in the brotherly country.

The team searched 91 sites and rendered services at 39 different locations, managing to rescue eight precious lives, including children, through their relentless efforts.

Also read: Turkey widens probe into building collapses as quake toll exceeds 50,000

In addition, the Pakistan team rescued five other people with the help of other rescue teams. The Pakistan team also recovered 138 dead bodies from the rubble and handed them over to Turkish authorities.

The Pakistani rescuers departed for home on Thursday night amidst applause at the airport. 

At the farewell ceremony—attended by Deputy Governor of Istanbul Özlem Bozkurt Gevrek, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Turkiye Dr Yousaf Junaid, Deputy Ambassador Zeynep Kaleli of Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AFAD Coordinator Istanbul Mrs Seval Dedeoglu and other dignitaries—the team was sent off to Pakistan with a loud round of applause and appreciation.