After completion of relief operation ie giving more than 1000 tons of relief goods, medical assistance to more than 12,000 patients and operating about 250 surgeries in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, Pakistan Navy ships Moawin and Khaibar returned to Karachi port on Friday. These ships under the command of Commodore Ehsan Saeed carried out relief operation in Tsunami hit areas.
Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice Admiral Mohammad Haroon addressed the ships company and appreciated the zeal and dedication with which Pakistan Navy officers and sailors conducted relief operations and provided humanitarian assistance.
"Your exemplary commitment displayed during the operation has not only earned laurels from all corners for the Navy but also brought pride and honour for the nation". He said this massive operation was not only incremental in image building, but has brought home long lasting diplomatic gains. This was also a manifestation of the maritime diplomacy which the PN exercises through its good-will cruises.
While briefing the mediamen onboard PNS Moawin, Commodore Ehsan Saeed gave the mission details. He apprised the mediamen that Pakistan navy ships arrived Colombo on 10 of January. Two Seaking helicopters were placed ashore which immediately started airlifting of relief goods to affected and inaccessible areas. A naval field hospital was also established in "Ahangama", a Tsunami hit coastal town of Colombo where thousands of patients were provided medical treatment and more than a hundred surgeries were conducted by the paramedical staff.
The naval field hospital won hearts and minds of local populace and greatly attracted attention of foreign media. The popularity gained so much of momentum that the German field hospital offered its medical stores to be transferred to PN hospital due poor attendance there. Pakistan Navy ships stayed in Sri Lanka till 16 and thereafter proceeded to Indonesia.
Giving mission details at Indonesia, Commodore Ehsan said that Pakistan Navy expeditionary force arrived the eastern port of "Lhoksemawe" on 20 January. More than 500 tons of relief goods were' distributed in Lhoksemawe, Sigli, North Aceh and Bireuen.
A field hospital was established in "Samalanga" situated about 75 km west of "Lhoksemawe". The hospital provided medical assistance to more than 9000 patients and carried out about 80 surgeries. In addition, other segments of Pakistan Navy expeditionary force contributed equally. Special Services Group of Pakistan navy took the challenge of clearing "Samalanga" river channel and cleared it up to 3.5 NM upstream making it navigable. One company of Special Services Group carried out search operations in a demolished cement factory and recovered 29 bodies after extensive search. Pakistan navy sailors also carried out restoration work in basic health unit of Samalanga. Pakistan Navy Seaking and Allouette helicopters also actively participated in relief efforts and damage assessment and ferried relief teams to inaccessible areas.
Moving scenes were witnessed at Samalanga and in the neighbouring refugee camps as PN relief operations were concluded on 25th January. Heart touching farewell speeches were made in which the locals thanked Pakistan Navy for coming to their rescue.
The humanitarian assistance and rescue operations by Pakistan Navy were acknowledged by all quarters and won hearts and minds of the locals. Pakistani High Commissions abroad received large number of letter of thanks from foreign tourists who were rescued during the operation and provided assistance.
Large number of news reports also appeared in the national and international media commending the efforts of PN relief team for Tsunami victims. These reports specially praised the professionalism and helping attitude of Pakistan Navy with which it took part in this relief operation.-PR