THIS correspondent has been based in Islamabad for the past five years. Thanks to the India-Pakistan hostilities, Indian journalists have to function under tremendous restraints. Rawalpindi, 16 km from the national capital, is out of bounds for them.
Home to the headquarters of the Pakistan military, Rawalpindi is considered as the number one cantonment town of the country. The Chaklala airfield within its vicinity is one of the prime bases of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), and an Indian journalist can go anywhere near it at the risk of being jailed as a spy. Local journalists get an occasional glimpse of the place from a safe distance during the ceremonial arrival of very important persons (VIPs) from abroad.
The earthquake has changed it all. Within hours of the quake, the PAF vacated the base and paved the way for what could perhaps become the largest-ever international disaster relief centre in one place. Aircraft in all sizes carrying relief have been landing there since October 8.
On day three, the sprawling base was packed with helicopters, international aid workers and relief materials flown in from all corners of the world. At one stage, incoming aircraft had to turn back for lack of space. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plane, which arrived at the base with the first consignment of relief goods, was one among them. With choppers parked back to back and with relief materials dumped all over the huge premises, the air base resembled a wholesale vegetable and fruit market, at least during the first few days.
The Pakistan military has opened up the complex for the hordes of visiting international journalists, aid workers and others involved in the gigantic rescue and relief work. The place is bustling with activity round the clock. Inter Services Public Relations has set up an office at the base to facilitate access to information. The officers, who usually maintain a stiff upper lip, are doing a remarkable job. The military has also been liberal in allowing journalists and relief workers to roam around the complex. "It is difficult to believe that we are running like chickens on a military base," said Qnuc Gevik, editor of The Anatolian from Turkey.
Perhaps the military had little option considering the fact the large parts of the quake-affected regions were cut off from the rest of the world and could only be reached by air. As a consequence, the world witnessed unprecedented air rescue and relief operations.
As many as 32 friendly countries provided assistance to Pakistan in its hour of distress. Nearly 50 helicopters from various parts of the world arrived at the base. While five countries sent their rescue teams, 25 others sent their medical teams and field hospitals. So far, 23 countries have forwarded relief goods and three countries, the United States, Germany and Afghanistan, have sent their helicopters. Understandably, there was consternation in Pakistan over a delay of more than 72 hours before the U.S. helicopters landed, particularly when they were in operation in neighbouring Afghanistan, less than an hour's aerial distance away.
The 50-odd helicopters, mainly of Pakistan Army Aviation, flew over 900 sorties during the first eight days, rescuing over 6,000 injured people and transporting tonnes of relief items. In the first phase, 10 MI-17 helicopters of the PAF undertook rescue operations. Subsequently, the aviation effort was reinforced with more helicopters, raising their total number to 31. Later, eight U.S., four German and four Afghan helicopters joined them.
The helicopters include Chinook, Black Hawk, CH-53, MH-53, PUMA and Bell-412. According to the Directorate of Pakistan Army, in the first week after the quake, 343 tonnes of rations, 141 tonnes of medicines, 67 tonnes of water, 63,000 blankets, 16,000 tents, 131 tonnes of miscellaneous items and 53 tonnes of clothing have been dispatched by air and by road to the affected areas.
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