ISLAMABAD: Two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters on Monday joined the firefighting efforts across four different locations of the Margalla Hills National Park, aiding in the successful extinguishing of the blaze.
The successful fire extinguish operation was made possible through effective coordination between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
According to the NDMA spokesperson, helicopters provided by the NDMA were deployed to combat the fire at multiple sites in the Margalla Hills National Park. The operation received support from the 6th Aviation Squadron and the Pakistan Army, overcoming challenges posed by limited ground accessibility.
Despite facing difficulties, the firefighting teams managed to bring the fire under control at three locations, with helicopter operations continuing until darkness fell. Approximately 70% of the fire was extinguished at the remaining site on the hilltop, with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) personnel present on-site for additional support.
The Ministry of Climate Change reported that Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, swiftly contacted Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the Chairman of NDMA, to request helicopter assistance. Alam assured that helicopters would reach the affected area within ten minutes. Joint efforts between the CDA and NDMA led to the successful containment of the fires at MF-17 and MF-16 Cheran Di Gali.
Alam also advised tourists to refrain from hiking during heatwaves. The firefighting operation saw the first helicopter from the 6th Aviation Squadron dousing water from Rawal Dam into the flames, while the second helicopter, dispatched by the Pakistan Army, utilized water from Khanpur Dam.
Romina Khurshid Alam thanked the Pakistan Army and Chairman NDMA for their prompt response. Throughout the operation, the Prime Minister’s aide closely monitored the situation, ensuring efficient management of the firefighting efforts.
In a statement issued from Prime Minister House, the premier Shehbaz Sharif lauded the prompt response and coordinated efforts of all involved departments and officials in containing the Margalla Hills fire.
He appreciated the Pakistan Army, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Islamabad Administration, Coordinator Ministry of Climate Change Rumina Khursheed Alam, and the ministry’s officers and staff for their dedicated endeavors in extinguishing the fire.
Furthermore, he expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army for providing helicopters to aid in the firefighting efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the helicopters of the PM House and 6th Aviation also participated in the firefighting operation which was also worth appreciation.
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