Islamabad (Web Desk): Pakistan sent two aircraft carrying a 51-member search and rescue team and relief goods to THE quake-hit Turkiye to provide assistance in rescue operations.
According to a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) statement, a C-130 Hercules aircraft carrying rescue team members and blankets from PAF Base, Nur Khan has landed in Istanbul.
The Foreign Office (FO), in a statement said, "The PAF aircraft is carrying relief goods from the people of Pakistan for the earthquake-affected brethren of Turkiye. The transport fleet of the
Pakistan Air Force has always been at the forefront to respond to natural disasters and calamities both inland and abroad," the statement said.
The FO spokesperson added that Pakistan had dispatched the necessary items for the victims including search and rescue teams, a 30-bed makeshift hospital and medicines. A third plane will also leave for the quake-struck country.
The rescue team includes a search squad and two technical rescue squads while a seven-member medical team has also landed in Istanbul.
Earlier, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that two contingents; urban search and rescue team, comprising rescue experts, sniffer dogs, search equipment and a Medical team comprising army doctors, nursing staff and technicians along with 30 bedded mobile hospital, tentage, blankets — and other relief items had been dispatched to Turkiye.
“The aid contingents have flown to Adana via a special Pakistan Air Force aircraft on the night of February 6-7, 2023, to undertake relief efforts for the Turkish people while working in close coordination with the Turkish government, AFs and their Embassy in Islamabad,” the military's media wing said.
It stated that the contingents would stay in Turkiye until the completion of the relief and rescue operation.
“People and AFs of Pakistan stand with our Turk brethren and offer all available support in this hour of need,” the ISPR statement added.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said: "As part of Pakistan Support for Turkiye, urban search and rescue (USAR) and Rescue 1122 team boarded through PIA flight from Lahore to Istanbul today."
It said that a second C-130 aircraft carrying winterised tents and blankets will take off from Lahore today.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Turkiye on Wednesday to offer condolence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan over massive human and material loss due to devastating earthquake.
In a tweet, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb said that the premier will also express solidarity with the people of Turkiye.
A powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria on Monday, killing more than 5000 people.
Rescue operations are underway in the countries as several people are believed to be stuck under the rubble.