Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday, visited earthquake affected areas of Awaran District in Balochistan. He reiterated the resolve that Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the government of Balochistan and concerned federal ministries, will continue the relief efforts despite attempts to disrupt relief work by miscreants.
The CoAS also appreciated resolve of the local population to withstand the hardships and sufferings caused by the unfortunate natural calamity. He was briefed at the field Headquarter of Pakistan Army's Formation undertaking relief and rehabilitation work, said an ISPR press release. General Kayani appreciated the quick response by Army Units and Frontier Corps Balochistan in reaching the earthquake affected areas and providing relief to their Baloch brothers, despite all odds.
A total of six battalions and eight helicopters have been employed for relief and rehabilitation work in the affected areas. The troops have, thus far, distributed around 6000 tons of food items and 37,000 tents among the affected people. Moreover, a well-equipped Army Field Hospital has also been functioning, round-the-clock, where more than 17,000 patients have been treated so far.
Later, during interaction with notables of the area and local administration officials, the CoAS assured the continued support of Pak Army to the people of Awaran and Balochistan Government, till settlement of the affected population. Earlier, on arrival at Awaran CoAS was received by Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua, Commander Southern Command.