Islamabad - 24 February 2023: ( Adnan Hameed) – NDMA arranged a welcome reception for USAR
team of Pakistan Army on its return to home from Turkiye. The Heroes were
welcomed by Federal Minister for Education Rana Tanveer Hussain, Turkish
Ambassador in Pakistan H.E Mehmet Pacaci who greeted and interacted with the
33-member USAR team of Pakistan Army at Islamabad International Airport. Higher
officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff of Turkish Embassy in Pakistan
also attended the ceremony.
On directions of the Prime Minister, the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) team of the
Pakistan Army was arranged and sent by NDMA immediately to Turkiye in wake of
the deadly earthquake on February 6, 2023. USAR team returned home after
participating in a rescue operation extended for 17 days in quake-hit parts of Turkiye.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain appreciated Pak Army USAR team for
conducting difficult rescue operations in Turkiye and recovering precious lives out of
debris.He assured that Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in helping earthquake
victims. He added that NDMA has already dispatched assistance packages to the
victims and the aid should not stop till the complete recovery of earthquake-affected people.
The Turkish Ambassador expressed his gratitude for unwavering support by
Pakistan in this challenging time. He paid homage to Turkiye-return Pak Army USAR
stalwarts for helping quake-ravaged people in distressed situation. He said the
Government of Pakistan and its people were among the very first responders to the
earthquake disaster. He also lauded other relief measures by Government of
Pakistan and NDMA including donation campaign and swift delivery of relief items in
need of hour.