The Pakistan Navy Ship Zulfiquar sailed from Colombo after the successful completion of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HA&DR) operations and relative normalisation of situation in flood-stricken Sri Lanka.
The operations were conducted in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and local administration.
During the four days of the operations, the Pakistan Navy teams rescued/evacuated a large number of flood-stranded population from far-flung villages, provided medical treatment and medicines to flood affected families, restored fresh water supply to local population by decontaminating wells, cleared roadways and passages by de-flooding marshy areas and last but not the least, provided edibles, fresh water and dry ration to displaced families, mostly women, children and the elderly.
The Pakistan Navy’s ardent and unflinching support immensely helped restore activities of life amongst the population of far-flung villages. Shades of relief and contentment on the faces of flood-stricken people were an overwhelming sign of gratefulness for the Pakistan Navy officers and men who participated in the operations. Sri Lankan political and military higher echelon acknowledged and highly appreciated Pakistan Navy’s efforts for helping Sri Lankan people in the hour of need.
Naval forces have an inherent capability of flexibility and reach, which have been clearly manifested/employed during the relief operations in Sri Lanka.
The operations signify the professional acumen and commitment of the Pakistan Navy to conduct such large-scale operations involving diverse technical and professional expertise under a single umbrella.
The Pakistan Navy is resolute in maintaining and delivering on its commitment to the nation and global community for providing any assistance to keep Pakistan’s flag higher. “Our ships, flying the green flag around the globe, are reflection of our national character, resilience and unrelenting commitment to the humanitarian cause,” read a press statement issued by the Pakistan Navy. - Daily Times