Pakistan Army facing difficulties in Gyari rescue operation

RAWALPINDI: Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Athar Abbas Saturday said that Pakistan Army is facing difficulties in Gyari rescue operation due to harsh weather, however 24-hour round the clock operation continued.

Pakistan Army arranged a media briefing regarding Gyari sector calamity. Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Major General Ashfaq Nadeem flanked by DG ISPR briefed the media about the magnitude of the incident and military rescue operations.

He said that Pakistan Air force (PAF) is also making all out efforts for the rescue of Pakistan army soldiers trapped in avalanche.

He said that assistance was also sought from international organizations and friend countries, adding that teams from Germany, Switzerland and China had reached the area.

The DGMO said the American team also reached Pakistan and it would kick off work after the improvement of weather conditions. Gen Nadeem said that a team from Norway would also reach to the area soon.

Replying to a question, he said that 139 people including soldiers and civilians were present in the Battalion headquarters at the time of the incident.

Gen Nadeem said that the magnitude of the tragedy was so big that local rescue facilities in the region were not enough while movement of heavy equipments was also very difficult.

He told as many as 400 troops and some 60 civilians are currently taking part in rescue and search operation.

He said that that some small avalanches had also been falling in the area.

The DGMO said that all entire nation and army was praying for a miracle for the recovery of soldiers alive.