THE Pakistan Defence Forces have consistently demonstrated their crucial role in safeguarding the nation, whether it’s during earthquakes, floods, or pandemics like Corona. Currently, Balochistan, particularly Gwadar, Jiwani, and Sarbandar, is reeling from devastating floods and torrential rains. Balochistan, already facing challenges in education, health and employment, is further burdened by inadequate infrastructure and the threat of terrorism. Despite governmental neglect, the Pakistan Army has swiftly responded with rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Led by GOC 44 Division Gwadar, Major General Adnan Sarwar Malik, the Army is actively draining floodwater and providing relief to affected residents. With the support of Pakistan Navy’s boats and divers, they’re tackling the crisis head-on. This solidarity in times of crisis strengthens the bond between the Army and the people of Gwadar, showcasing the military’s commitment to serving the nation.
The question is, where are the so-called well-wishers of Balochistan, who are engaged in poisonous propaganda against the national integrity and Pakistan forces all year round, and when any calamity befalls the province, they become silent. It should be noted that these are the veterans and defenders of the homeland who always come forward at the time of crisis. The military relief operation in Gwadar is a practical manifestation of the determination that the army is at the forefront of relief activities not only in the suppression of terrorists but also in the form of floods, storms, earthquakes and other natural disasters by following its brilliant traditions. There is no doubt that the soldiers of Pakistan Army have rendered valuable services for the relief and rehabilitation of the people in the natural calamities in the country as well as protecting the borders, which are worth writing in golden letters. In other words, Pakistani army has always provided both traditional and non-traditional security in a very befitting way to the people of Pakistan at the time of need.
The current worsening situation in Gwadar can be well estimated by the fact that the previous fifteen-year record of dangerous rains which submerged Gwadar was broken. Many areas have been flooded, the infrastructure here has been destroyed, the power system has failed, the polio campaign has been suspended, the matriculation exams have been postponed, the internet connection has been suspended and there is an acute shortage of drinking water. 3100 houses were destroyed in Gwadar tehsil, 125 houses were damaged in Jiwani and 260 houses were damaged in Sarbandar tehsil. 95% of the agricultural area of these areas is under water and 14 connecting roads are also destroyed. Relief operations are being carried out with heart and soul in the areas.
The army’s relief operations include water extraction from residential areas to provision of essential aid including drinking water and ration bags to the affected population in remote areas, while activation of communication infrastructure and rehabilitation of highways on an emergency basis. The Pakistan Army and Coast Guard personnel saved many people from drowning without caring for their own lives in the fast flowing water. The army also assisted the local administration in rescuing local people trapped inside flood-damaged houses and shifting them to safer places. Undoubtedly, Pakistan Army’s full involvement in humanitarian relief operations throughout day and night; to bring the flood victims to safe places from the flood rails is commendable. The good initiative of FC and Pakistan Army has also been appreciated by the people of the area. Under the relief operation of Pakistan Army for the victims in the flood affected areas, blankets, water, three meals a day as well as mobile medical camps have been provided to thousands of flood victims. Free medicines are also being provided in medical camps organized by Pakistan Army. By organizing 50 tons of rations, 120 million medicines, 17 flood relief medical camps and 15 mobile medical camps, Pakistan Army is leading the way in serving the suffering humanity. Additionally, brochures on precautionary measures to prevent epidemics have also been distributed.
There is no doubt that careful planning, optimal use of resources, foresight, are the important characteristics of the Pakistan Army; that greatly help them under such emergency circumstances. It is only because of the leadership that Pakistan Army performs well in all major tragedies. Pakistan Army’s efforts for health, education, water, fishing and sports projects in Gwadar are also noteworthy. Supply of 500 nets to fishermen in Gwadar, upgradation and solarization of fish auction hall, shops for unemployed fishermen, construction of Clean Water RO Plants, supply of Solar Panels and Solarization of Schools Nine Basic Health Units Rehabilitation Centres for Drug Addictions Provision of Free Education to Children of Fishermen, Renovation of Two Football Grounds and Boxing Arena construction are some of the major services of the Pakistan Army.
Gwadar port is of great strategic and economic importance for Pakistan. After Karachi and Bin Qasim ports, it is the third important warm water and deep sea port in Balochistan; located on the edge of the Persian Gulf. Due to this port, the geostrategic position of Pakistan has gained a special place in the entire region. This grand port is facing several challenges such as lack of connectivity, underdeveloped infrastructure, other related facilities and security concerns that need to be addressed. At present, India is using all means to stop the development of Gwadar port. Our insidious and eternal enemy is actively engaged in heinous acts of terrorism from Occupied Kashmir to Balochistan. However, Pakistan needs to seriously address these challenges and speed up work on Gwadar Port, which is key to Pakistan’s economic prosperity, regional connectivity and maritime development. This could stimulate trade between South, West and Central Asian states, installation of oil and gas pipelines and other industrial and commercial sectors. The CPEC project is indeed an economic game changer and it can put Pakistan at the height of economic importance. With the establishment of economic zones, industrial parks and oil pipelines, vast employment opportunities will be created. Gwadar port is of great strategic international importance, will surely open the doors of economic development for the entire region. Countries associated with CPEC will have access to trade markets thus, prospects for global economic development will definitely rise. The truth is that when CPEC and Gwadar are fully operational, Pakistan will definitely face prosperity and development, after which the unstable economic situation of Pakistan will merely become a story of past.
—The writer is contributing columnist.
views expressed are writer’s own.
