COAS Qamar Bajwa visits Karachi, takes aerial view of impact of urban flooding

KARACHI (92 News) – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Karachi on a two-day visit on Tuesday, said a press release issued by the ISPR. On arrival at Karachi, COAS was flown over the city for aerial reconnaissance of the ground impact of urban flooding in Karachi. Later, COAS visited Karachi Corps Headquarters. The COAS was briefed about worst urban flooding in the recent history of Karachi and Army's support to the civil administration across Sindh and particularly Karachi. He was apprised that unprecedented rains combined with decades of urban congestion, unplanned population settlement as well as infrastructural issues compounded the problem. COAS Qamar Bajwa said that no city in Pakistan can cope with a natural calamity of this scale. "Our issue is not non availability of resources but setting priorities right." He said that the plans being made by the federal and provincial governments will have Army’s all out support as having future repercussions on economic security of the country. "This natural calamity provided an opportunity to set the priority for management of mega cities across Pakistan to avoid such disasters in future," he said. The COAS expressed satisfaction over the pace of disaster relief work. He directed that work priority should be given to areas of common public utility and worst-hit communities first. "At no point influence of a particular locality or community should be allowed to shift attention or resources from those in need. It's a national disaster and everyone is in it together." He reiterated that Army will not disappoint the population in their time of need. He appreciated garrison troops for maintaining law and order particularly during Muharram. The COAS said that peace in national economic hub Karachi is vital for security and stability of Pakistan. "Efforts will continue to maintain normalcy in Karachi and the province." Later, COAS interacted with retired senior and serving garrison officers. He appreciated officers for their contribution to defence and security of the country. Earlier on his arrival, COAS was received by Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Humayun Aziz.