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PM lauds PAF’s flood relief activities
ISLAMABAD, Sep 20 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on Monday lauded the role of Pakistan Air Force in the relief and rescue operations ever since the devastating floods hit different parts of the country. Talking to the Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman who called on him at the PM’s House, the Prime Minister said the contributions made by PAF to help the flood affected people reflected the commitment of officers and jawans to stand up to any challenge.The task of rehabilitation and reconstruction, the Prime Minister said, is equally challenging for which all segments of the society as well as organizations will have to play an active role with the same spirit as shown in the early recovery stage of relief and rescue.
Earlier, the Air Chief apprised the Prime Minister of the details of the relief and rescue operations conducted by PAF in the flood affected areas.
He mentioned that the PAF officers and jawans rescued more than 17,000 people and disbursed food and relief goods through 1700 sorties of C130s and helicopters in a period of seven weeks.
He said that PAF established six flood relief camps in different parts of the country accommodating over 20000 flood affectees.
The medical camps set up by PAF, he said, treated more than 45,000 patients suffering from various diseases.
He said the officers and jawans of PAF contributed Rs 28 million to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund by donating one day salary.
The Air Chief informed the Prime Minister that because of floods, the Jacobabad Air Base was closed for three days for repairs.
During this period, around 2000 employees had to be shifted to nearby Air Bases while 200 were stationed to look after the repair work. The officials have since returned back to the Base to perform their duties to manage the technical facilities.
The Air Chief apprised the Prime Minister that the envisaged plan for establishing an Air University in Southern Punjab would soon be implemented. The University, he said, would cater for MBA, Computer Science and Aeronautical Engineering Degree classes.
He thanked the Prime Minister for providing Rs 10 million last year for this project as well as his assurance for provision of the remaining amount during the current financial year.
The Air Chief also discussed matters relating to PAF particularly regarding the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visits to France and Belgium.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk