ISLAMABAD, Oct 18: Chief Relief Commissioner Maj-Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan has hinted at deployment of additional troops to speed up the relief and rescue operation in the quake-affected areas.

“Troops in suitable number are already there and additional deployment for the rescue and relief operation would be made, if need be,” he said at a crowded press conference here on Tuesday.

Asked to give an update of casualties, he said the death toll as on Tuesday morning was over 42,000 people, while over 67,000 suffered injuries.

He rejected reports that 3,000 armymen had embraced martyrdom in the disaster and said the correct figure of casualties was 450. He said 765 armymen were injured. “It is not possible to conceal the casualties of the army people as the bodies are supposed to be sent to their houses and the martyrs laid to rest with full honours,” he remarked.