September 6 is celebrated by the nation as the Defence of Pakistan Day to commemorate Pakistan's supreme hour. Pakistan's Armed Forces exasperated a surprise attack by its numerically superior Indian Ahmed Forces on September 6, 1965.
On September 6, 1965, the people of Pakistan stood united as one solid rock to meet the onslaught of an enemy that chose the cover of darkness to achieve its atrocious design of occupying our motherland. The spirit of' 65 is the forte of character, the firm resolution, the resilience that overwhelmed every Pakistani to stand up to be counted as a defender of its motherland. Pakistan Army collected donations of Rs 1,069 million in Army Relief Fund
Defence Day of Pakistan carries great historical significance for the people of Pakistan. Forty Six years ago, on this day, our valiant armed forces along with the entire nation thwarted unwarranted aggression against the country. Pakistan Army exhibited the same spirit that we displayed on this day in 1965 to help their brethren in distress due to country wide flash floods in KPK, Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, AK and Gilgit-Baltistan last year. This resulted in the loss of human lives, property, livestock and also damaged communication infrastructure. Some 20 million people were affected by the floods that began in late July 2010, submerging almost one-fifth of the country under water. The disaster claimed 2,000 lives and destroyed 1.91 million homes across the country in 78 districts.
Pakistan Army in a bid to provide relief and rescue support to the flood affected population commenced its preparations well before the onset of monsoon through its constant flood mobilising schemes. This has proved to be another challenge for the Army which is already committed to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country. The catastrophe was so severe that it destroyed all the major bridges and badly damaged the communication infrastructure in flood affected areas. According to a UN report the magnitude of the recent floods was much more than that at Tsunami and October 2005 earthquake.
Pakistan Army, seeing the gravity and magnitude of the calamity once again rose to the occasion. Army launched of Operation Labaik for marooned people on orders of CoAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. Operation Labaik was a well-articulated and integrated operation to help the flood victims. The multi-tiered response revolved around rescue, relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction falling in the same order of priority. All resources, within the capacity of Government and Armed forces were mobilised to meet the unprecedented challenge. Above all, it was Pakistani nation's resolve that once again proved unparalleled in reaching out to the people in need of their support.
The whole nation have greatly revered the "pliability, strength and pluck" of the Pakistani people, and recognised the hard work and continued commitment of all ranks of the Army in the post-2010 flood response. Pakistan Army left no stone unturned in supporting communities to rebuild their homes and restore their livelihoods. With a crisis of such enormousness, the response was difficult and challenging, but it was made successful due to commitment and dedication of all ranks of the Army in collaboration and co-ordination, with the government and other humanitarian aid agencies working together to support millions of people affected by the floods. The lives of millions of people were changed in a matter of days and there were numerous defies for those who survived the disaster, including loss of shelter, crops and livelihoods. Pakistan Army employed its maximum resources in Labaik (rescue and relief operation) in affected areas.
Over 1 lac of the Pakistan Army troops were employed with more than 1000 Boats and 89 helicopters (including from friendly countries) in the flood hit areas. Army Troops rescued almost One Million people to safer places and established 230 Relief Camps across the length and breadth of affected areas. 29 thousand tons of dry ration and 10 million packs of cooked food and meal ready to eat were provided to the marooned people during relief operations.
Pakistan Army collected donations in cash and kinds for affected were immense. Rs 1,069 million were collected in Army Relief fund. Rs 662 million were spent on reconstruction, which was done in two phases and Rs 407 million were spent in various relief programmes in flood affected areas.
Rs 1,069 Million collected in Army Relief Fund were spent in various Reconstruction and Relief Programmes of flood affected areas. Rs 310 in Sindh, Rs 296 million in Punjab (Multan, Layyah etc), Rs 250 million were spent in Balochistan, Rs 210 million in Khyber Pakhtoonwah, Rs 3.02 million in Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
1,687 education institutions have been reconstructed by Army troops using relief funds. It also included reconstruction of 196 health facilities, 194 religious places, 2, 049 houses of flood affectees, 448 farm to market roads, 1448 water supply schemes, 400 projects of levelling agriculture land in Balochistan and 127 miscellaneous projects which include vetenary services, provision of furniture for school, and livestock farming projects in Balochistan. Army troops had also collected donations in kind amounting to Rs 1,449 million which were distributed among the flood affectees.
Pakistan Army Medical Corps established 50 medical camps and 200 Mobile Medical Teams, and provided medical treatment to flood affected patients. Some friendly countries also sent their medical teams for relief work in flood affected areas. Army Engineers made special efforts and completed the rehabilitation of almost all the washed away bridges in Malakand and some bridges in KPK/Punjab/Sindh and Balochistan in record time by employing Army equipment bridges.
Details of Army Relief Fund spent on Reconstruction and Relief Programmes
-- Rs 310 million in Sindh
-- Rs 296 million in Punjab
-- Rs 250 million were spent in Balochistan
-- Rs 210 million in Kyber Pakhtoonkhwa
-- Rs 3.02 million in Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan
Today when the country's forces realising how crucial it is to fight all enemies at once are busy in their struggle there is great need for the spirit of 65 to be manifested again. Terrorism is an enemy that weakens the internal defences of a country. It is the scourge that eats it up from inside out. Pakistan has indeed achieved a great deal since the start of our own war on terror.
While the Armed forces of Pakistan have rounded up a host of elements that do not hesitate to even blow up the mosques along with the innocent worshippers, many a brave sons of this country have also succumbed to the war. In the time of global crises our soldiers have carved their niche in the global psyche through their acts of sheer bravery.
And these sons of the soil have not stopped at it only. They have expanded their role to the global arena through the UN where their talents are known to be legend. Our resilient and committed soldiers have once again revived the proud memories of September 1965. No odd can and will stand against their will to serve, save and defend the nation.
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