Balochistan earthquake: Kayani lauds quake victims’ resolve, pledges more relief

Says work will continue with assistance from provincial govt, federal ministries.

ISLAMABAD:

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday vowed to continue military relief operations in the earthquake-hit areas of Balochistan despite attempts by militants to disrupt these activities.

The pledge came during the army chief’s visit to Awaran, where he was briefed at the headquarters of Pakistan Army’s formation about the operations under way in the earthquake-hit areas of the province.

Kayani lauded the resolve of the local population to withstand the hardships and sufferings caused by the natural calamity.

Interacting with the local notables and administrative officials, General Kayani  assured them of full support till all the affected people were rehabilitated.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Kayani praised army units and the Frontier Corps Balochistan for their quick response in reaching areas levelled by the earthquake  and extending relief to their Baloch brothers, despite the odds.



Up to six battalions and eight helicopters have been deployed for relief and rehabilitation work in the affected areas, the statement said.

The army troops have thus far distributed around 6,000 tons of food items and 37,000 tents, it said.An army field hospital has also been functioning, where more than 17,000 patients have so far been treated, it added.

With assistance from the Balochistan government and the concerned federal ministries, the military will continue its relief operations in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik acknowledged that insurgents had established strongholds in Awaran due to the absence of the government’s writ over the past few years.

A 7.7-magnitude quake struck Balochistan on September 24, destroying thousands of mud-built homes as it spread havoc through Awaran and Kech districts and southwestern parts of the country. Awaran is counted among the most sensitive and insurgency-hit districts of Balochistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6^th, 2013.