24 helipads set up for relief operations

MUZAFFARABAD—In order to expedite the transportation of relief goods in earthquake affected areas, Pakistan has opened 24 more helipads after confirmation of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, for more relief aid from international community.
Major Farooq Nasir, a spokesman of Pakistan army told newsmen that the step has been taken to expedite the relief operations in quake ravaged areas.
“We totally agree with the plea of Kofi Annan that Pakistan needs more relief assistance. We need more tents, blankets and other relief goods for earthquake victims”, he said.
Although all the relief goods are reaching affected areas but more would be required to meet the needs of the victims, he added.
In the meanwhile, Army colonel Rana Sajjad said that Pakistan army has set up 24 more helipads to expedite relief operation.
He said that transportation of relief goods and taking out injured from affected areas are in full swing and 109 flights of Pakistani and international helicopters had been made last day.
Director General of Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan has said army is providing security to the relief convoys, therefore, the looting bids of the relief goods have come to end.
Talking to Online here Thursday he said that President General Pervez Musharraf had taken serious notice of looting and plundering of relief goods by some unscrupulous elements. Army, FC and Rangers personnel were deployed on all the routes leading to Muzaffarabad and land route to this city has now become secure and safe. Loot and plunder bids have also halted.
He went on to say people now could safely and easily carry the relief goods to Muzaffarabad and they would have to face no problem. Further more if some one needs some information about the routes or relief goods, one could contact the respective military officers on the telephone numbers being advertised through TV or newspapers. All help and guidelines will be provided, he added.
Responding to a question he said relief activities being carried out by the army in the quake stricken areas are in full swing and these activities are picking up with the reopening of roads. Soldiers had reached in those areas, which were inaccessible. In these areas not only the quake victims were provided relief material but also the injured are being given medical treatment through establishment of field hospitals.
He told army was working in disciplined manner under a strategy. There are still such areas where difficulties are being faced in securing access.
He appealed to the people to provide blankets and tents in large quantity as they are badly needed in quake hit areas.—Online