05 February 2005	Saturday	25 Zilhaj 1425

KARACHI, Feb 4: After concluding relief operations in tsunami-hit areas in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, Pakistan Navy ships Moawin and Khaibar returned here on Friday.

The ships also distributed 1,100 metric tons of relief goods among the affected people.

Commander Pakistan Fleet Vice-Admiral Mohammad Haroon, while welcoming the ship's company after their humanitarian task, said it would bring lasting diplomatic gains.

Commodore Ehsan Seed while briefing newsmen on board PNS Moawin gave details of the operations in Sri Lanka which included airlifting of relief goods to affected and inaccessible areas.

A field hospital was also established in Ahangama, the Sri Lanka coastal town which was hit by the tsunami. Thousands of patients were provided medical treatment and more than a hundred surgeries were conducted by the paramedical staff.

From Sri Lanka, PN ships went to Indonesia and an expeditionary force reached the eastern port of Lhoksemawa where more than 500 tons of relief goods were distributed in Lhoksemawe, Sigli, North Ache and Bireuen. PN personnel also established a field hospital in Samalanga, located 75 km west of Lhoksemawe.

Besides providing medical care and carrying out surgeries, the special services group of the PN cleared the Samalanga river channel up to 3.5nm upstream making it navigable. PN personnel also carried out operations for recovering bodies from the debris.