Inclement weather not to affect relief activities: ISPR

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Shaukat Sultan on Thursday said that there would be no let up in the relief activities despite advent of inclement weather.
Talking to APP, he said, helicopters have been put on the forward bases to enable resumption of relief operation in short periods.
However, he said that bad weather could hinder relief operation on heights.
The government wanted to provide relief goods to all, including people from far-flung areas. Pakistan Army was making hectic and all-out efforts to provide relief to the victims within shortest possible time before the advent of cold weather.
The roads leading to Balakot have been reopened for conducting non-stop relief operation, he added. Mules are being used to supply relief goods in remote mountainous area.
About 37 helicopters took part in the relief operation. They flew 126 hours and the number of sorties was 145 on Thursday.
Meanwhile, more relief supply continued to pour into Pakistan from across the world, including China, Nato, Poland, US and the UK, he said.
Pakistanis residing in various countries, including Pakistan Embassy in Italy, Qatar, High Commission in India and Consulate in Hong Kong, have also sent various flights carrying blankets, winterised tents, jackets and edibles.
He appealed to the international community and locals to send only blankets, winterised tents, jackets, warm cloths and avoid sending old cloths.
The situation was in control in all the affected areas. Army was there to help their brethren at this hour, he said. Pakistan had completed all preparation regarding opening of Line of Control (LoC) on November 7 as per the agreement between India and Pakistan.
Pakistan Army has cleared the mines and worked tirelessly even during Eid holidays for making possible the opening of all five designated points. However, the delay occurred from the other side, he added. Crossing point from Neelum would be opened on November 12. Tattapani and Urai crossing points would be opened on November 14 and 16, respectively.
He added that the aim to open crossing points along LoC was not to exchange relief goods only, its prime objective should be to allow divided families to meet and help each other without any hindrance.