President Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday visited the Gayari sector of Siachen glacier to express solidarity with the Pakistan Army trying to reach out to the 138 trapped soldiers hit by an avalanche. President Zardari accompanied by Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani witnessed the ongoing rescue operation in the Gayari sector continuing the 12th day.
Earlier, he took an aerial view of the avalanche. President Zardari was scheduled to visit Siachen on Monday, which could not take place due to bad weather conditions.
The President during his visit had an aerial view of the search and rescue activities being undertaken by the army personnel.
Later, he was given a detailed briefing about the activities underway by Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) Commander Major General Ikram-ul-Haq. The President appreciated the efforts that were being made by the Pak Army in search and rescue operation. While paying glowing tributes to the valiant soldiers, he said that the whole nation is indebted to these sons of the soil and prays for them from the very core of their hearts.
He directed that all available resources should be utilised to further expedite the operation in view of any possible snow slides due to temperature rise and that the Presidency be kept informed about the progress in the rescue operation. Earlier, upon his arrival at Skardu Airport, the President who was accompanied by Interior Minister Rehman Malik was received by Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister GB Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani and Corp Commander of the area.