Whenever the body of a shaheed is found from the Gayari sector, it raises the hopes of scores of families who are still waiting to see their loved ones. The unfortunate incident which took place on the night of 7 April was a great shock not only for the families of the buried brave soldiers but for the nation also. Army rescue efforts were immediately launched. Once the fog cleared, we came to know that a massive landslide, about a kilometre long and 80 to 100 feet in height, had engulfed the area. The task was daunting and uphill but the determination of the army was also rock solid. The foreign experts visited the area and left after few days because it was a mission impossible for them.
The army continued its efforts and during his visit to Gayari, Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said, “We are trying to reach the trapped soldiers. In the face of inclement weather, no stone will be left unturned. We are not far away from them and will dig them out, no matter how long it takes.” The resolve and steadfastness of the army at last bore the fruit when the dead bodies of the martyrs were found after rigorous day and night efforts. Fifty bodies have been recovered so far and the search for the others is still continuing.
The patience shown by the families of these shuhada is a beacon of light and source of inspiration for all of us. Similarly, hats off to the hundreds of soldiers who are working round the clock to bring their comrades out.
BILAL SHAHID
Islamabad
