ADANA: First aircraft of a special flight series initiated by the Government of Pakistan, carrying 1200 winterized tents has reached Adana, Turkiye.
The special flight operation will be transporting 50,000 tents to Turkiye during the next two weeks.
Under the directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is himself monitoring the earthquake relief assistance from Pakistan, an air bridge was immediately established between Islamabad and Ankara on February 6, 2023 to deliver essential relief goods and transport rescue teams. Since then, earthquake relief goods are being transported to the brotherly nation through air, land and sea routes.
Earlier, 10 special aircrafts, including three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) C-130, one PAF IL-78, three Turkish aircrafts , three PIA chartered flights have carried earthquake relief assistance supplies to Turkiye. Relief assistance goods were also sent to Turkey, via free belly space available on 29 regular PIA flights to Istanbul. Also, a 21 truck convoy brought 275 tons of relief supplies via road to Malatya. Meanwhile, three ships carrying winterized tents are already enroute to Turkiye and shall be arriving in Mersin this month.
Pakistani NGOs performing on-ground recovery, relief work
A number of NGOs from Pakistan are also on ground, lending support to the recovery and rehabilitation process.
During his recent visit to quake affected areas in Turkiye, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed the commitment that the people and Government of Pakistan stand in strong solidarity with Turkish brethren and are determined to extend every possible support till full recovery and rehabilitation.
