RAWALPINDI: COAS has instructed the Army to ensure minimum collateral damage even at the expense of taking risks, by resorting to precision strikes. Pakistan Army is acutely aware of the nature of ongoing operations in Swat and elsewhere, and their likely fallouts.

Consequent to any military operation in populated areas, collateral damage and IDP issues are always a natural outcome. Infact the overall success of operations in such areas is a sum total of the three efforts i.e conduct of military operations, minimizing collateral damage and correctly managing IDPs.

COAS said that management of IDPs is as important as military operation in Swat. It has been decided to provide all out support to Government and International Agencies in the management and rehabilitation of IDPs.

For this purpose a Corps Headquarters headed by Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed (Ex Deputy Chairman ERRA) has been tasked to form a Special Support Group for IDPs, for coordinating and directing all efforts of Government, Army and other Agencies for optimal utilization of resources in providing relief.

For the first time in its history, Pakistan Army has taken a decision to give part of its daily ration (items of daily food; Atta, Sugar, Ghee and Dhall) to these IDPs. This exemplifies the Army’s spirit of sacrifice. The food items so provided will be able to daily feed about 80,000 adults. Furthermore, Army is deploying its medical resources in all the IDPs camps. These medical camps will have adequate medicines for 90 days. Local Military Hospitals will also go on surge to treat patients.

Inshallah, together the Pakistani Nation and Army, will provide relief to the IDPs in a manner, which will rekindle the memories of 2005 Earthquake relief effort. NNI

About Noreen Gill

Noreen Gill has written 478 articles on this journal.

• View all posts by Noreen Gill →
• Blog

Popularity: 1% [?]