04 January 2005	Tuesday	22 Ziqa'ad 1425

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan on Monday announced a comprehensive plan to undertake rescue and relief operations in disaster struck countries of South and South East Asia and sent additional land and naval forces to the region.

As part of the relief operation, DG Military Operations Maj Gen Mohammad Yousaf and Deputy Chief of General Staff Maj Gen Mir Haider saw off at the Chaklala Airbase 250 personnel and C-130 aircraft leaving for Indonesia.

The Naval Headquarters also announced deployment of two ships, PNS Khaibar and Moawin, and Sea King and Aloutte helicopters, for relief operations in Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Specially trained marines of the Navy would form part of a 50-member expeditionary force to assist the authorities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka for rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The two C-130s which left Chaklala on Monday carried engineering and medical equipment, medicines and other relief goods to Indonesia. The military officials said after the departure of C-130s on Monday, two flights would leave Pakistan after every 48 hours with relief supplies for the disaster areas in other countries.

Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the military officials of the Army Medical Corps and the Engineering Corps would establish field hospitals and repair the infrastructure to help the affected people in Indonesia.

A spokesperson for the ISPR said the land and naval forces of Pakistan were undertaking relief operations in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives. He said C-130's carrying relief goods had also been sent to Sri Lanka and Maldives in addition to the assistance provided by Pakistan Navy which was among the first to undertake relief operations in Maldives.

Officials said Pakistan had deputed two task forces to Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The task forces would initially be deputed for one month. However, if required, their stay could be extended, said an official.

NAVY: Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Naval Headquarters (NHQ) said two ships, PNS Khaibar and PNS Moawin would be leaving for Sri Lanka and Indonesia to undertake the relief operations. Naval Headquarters said the two ships would be deployed for search and rescue operations along with transporting fresh ration, eatables, medicines, tents and clothing.

The bulk of relief items would be shipped through PNS Moawin, a logistic ship. Additional rescue boats, rescue teams and gear have also been provided in addition to such facilities already available on the two ships.

Providing details of the Naval relief and logistic operation, the NHQ said a 50-bed mobile hospital, in addition to 11 specialist doctors, 80 paramedical staff and a large quantity of medicines were being sent to the affected countries.