ONLINE - International News Network
COAS visits Gayari rescue mission site
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, visited forward locations in Gilgit Baltistan, today, to celebrate Eid with troops.
He also visited Gayari to meet troops committed in the recovery operation, which started as a relief and rescue effort, immediately after the disastrous avalanche that martyred 140 soldiers and civilians.
The rescue mission has been since going on without any let off; for last four and a half months in face of severe terrain and climatic conditions.
COAS lauded the perseverance and motivation of troops involved in the rescue effort which has resulted in the recovery of 79 bodies to date, while given the pace of recovery effort, recovery of all the bodies is hoped well before onset of the winters.
Later, COAS visited Hamzigund, where he interacted with troops deployed along the Line of Control, and appreciated the soldiers for their resolve, determination and devotion to duty.
Commander Rawalpindi Corps, Lieutenant General Khalid Nawaz Khan, accompanied COAS during the visit.