KARACHI, Feb 10: Poland’s army officers of first engineering brigade, part of Nato forces, left Karachi on Friday after completing 90 days rescue, relief and reconstruction mission in Oct 8, 2005 earthquake affected areas of Azad Kashmir.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Polish Consul-General in Karachi Ireneusz Makles, Captain Dariusz Kacperezak, spokesman of Polish contingent expressed gratitude to Pakistan government and armed forces for their support in carrying out relief operations.

He said that government of Poland also appreciates Pakistani leadership for tackling the disaster with professionalism and great courage.

Makles, in his remarks, said Polish soldiers under NATO framework played an important role in relief mission in quake devastated areas. They removed debris, cleared landslides, snow, opened roads in mountain areas for traffic. Their contribution improved lives of thousands of affected people.

He said Polish soldiers were also involved in constructing temporary shelters for schools and provided assistance to needy people. He thanked Pakistan government for extending all possible support to Polish relief team as well as other Nato teams.

Makles said Polish contingent established good relations with Pakistani forces, which sets an example of further cooperation which will help establish better relations between the two countries.—PPI