Yesterday, the helicopter of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Major General Muhammad Saeed Aleem was targeted with rockets while it was on its way to Mashkai, Balochistan for earthquake relief work.
The NDMA chairman was in the area to monitor the rescue work underway in the devastated region. Major General Aleem remained unhurt in the attack.
The September 24 earthquake has so far claimed around 357 lives in Balochistan and more than 600 people are injured.
A senior FC officer had said that most of the stricken places in Awaran are highly risky areas for relief workers and provincial functionaries as it is a hub of Baloch nationalist militants.
Mashkai – a sub-district of Awaran - has been under the militant command of nationalist guerrilla commander, Dr Allah Nazar who has been confronting the FC and Pakistan Army for a long time.
COMMENTS (24)
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Pakistan is a curious case now, disturbingly curious
@VINOD Pakistan is the only place in the world where a terrorist can be good or bad depending on who he kills. You're looking for logical answers in the wrong place.
Imran and Nawaz govt are following the policy of "If you can't beat them, join them"
Just carry a few rockets on those helicopters and dump them over those terrorists while on the way to destination...make it a multitask mission.
@ M Mead,
These helicopters SHOULD be used on Militants and terrorist , not only the choppers, even the drones should be used. These people are terrorist not innocents people of Balochistan. If you kill be ready to be killed. Terrorist should have no place in this world and hereafter.
@Kufristani: For pak army all the affectees are pakistanis.whether illeterate thugs like BLA/BLF or those joining hands with them out of fear
At the end of the day, it will be Pakistan that will prevail
It is safe to say that these militants have no regard for humanity. They are still focused on their evil agenda, while the rest of the nation is mourning the loss of lives and trying to recover from this tragic incident. Those who continue to side with conspiracy theories can see who is working against our peace objectives in the region. But we will not let these acts of terror stop us from achieving our peace objectives in the region. We stand by the government of Pakistan during this difficult time. We repeat what White House Press Secretary Jay Carney, said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Pakistan, and we always stand ready to assist in any way we can in a terrible situation like that, a natural disaster."
Ali Khan DET, United States Central Command
@VINOD...That "ghastly attack" was in response to genocide of two million innocent Kashmirs and rapes of several thousands Kashmiri women at the hands of Indian Army in last 20 years in Kashmir. That attack specifically targeted the Indian Army but few civilians were also caught in it. Lastly, you don't respect anyone but yourself, your childish dream of GREATER INDIA, which has blinded to you see the billions of atrocities Indian army has committed towards its own people, namely Muslims.
@VINOD: because this news item has n'thing to do with Jammu attack. Alas, common sense is getting even rarer in our neighborhood.
Forget about helicopter, militant now even fears birds thinking them as mini drones.
The remote controls of these militants are in the hands of people who do not have any interest in welfare of Baluch people but they just want to rule them.
some bad apples can't represent all. its just matter of eliminating the bad ones and all will be rosy.
@Kufristani: Good point and agree.
Wonder why not a single word about the ghastly attack by terrorists in Jammu, India, killing soldiers and civilians. Surprising not a word and that too from a paper like Tribune, a paper I respect. Regards.
@Haseeb Khan: That is what musharraf did & is now terrorists have been made heros by Judiciary & demoncracy
@M. Emad: Any casualties ?
I commend ET for such an impartial treatment for its readers.....my comment praising the mujahedeen in Kashmir on another news story was not posted.....and yet ET is allowing comments mentioning these terrorists as "baluchi freedom fighters".....way to go ET
The relief good have to reach the people who have suffered due to earthquake. The incidence reported is so sad
Use full might of the state against those who are firing rockets at helicopters taking relief goods. Escort these helicopters with Helicopter gunships and use them if necessary
@M. Emad: Will you accept same 'logic' from TTP militants too? Or is that secular terrorists are Messiahs & their bullets are actually flowery?
These helicoptors will be used later to supress the 'militants' and Baloch people. Thats why they attacked the helicoptor.
And the courts and 'human right organizations' wonder, as to why are there 'enforced disappearances'?
Baluchi freedom fighters are averse to get relief from Punjabi army. Delicate situation understandably.
Chaudhry, you favorites are now targeting the relief work. You will go down in history as the one who supported terrorists and incited violence against Armed Forces of Pakistan when undertaking their constitutional obligations.