President Asif Ali Zardari visited Gayari Sector in Siachen Wednesday to express his solidarity and to monitor the search and rescue efforts which were underway at the site where the defenders of Pakistan frontiers were hit by the avalanche.
The president, accompanied by Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during his visit, had an aerial view of the search and rescue activities being undertaken by the army personnel.
Later he was given a detailed briefing about the activities underway by Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) Commander Major Gen Ikram-ul-Haq.
The president appreciated the efforts that were being made by the Army in search and rescue operations.
While paying glowing tributes to the valiant soldiers, he said that the whole nation is indebted to these sons of the soil and prays for them from the very core of their hearts. He directed that all available resources by utilised to further expedite the operation in view of any possible snow slides due to temperature rise and that the Presidency be kept informed about the progress in the rescue operation.
Earlier, upon his arrival at Skardu Airport, the president was received by Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani and Corp Commander of the area.
Meanwhile, the search and rescue operation in the Gayari sector of Siachen continued for the 12th day but no traces of the camp covered by the massive snow avalanche are yet in sight.
Despite harsh conditions, rescue work continues day and night. Machines and volunteers are removing snow from identified spots, while on site number one, the tunnel which was made on Tuesday is being opened.
