Army activities for Aug 14, Sept 6 called off

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Thursday announced that all annual activities of armed forces for August 14 and September 6 have been cancelled and that the amount allocated for the same will now be used for helping the flood victims. According to ISPR, a special Corps Commanders’ Conference was held here at General Headquarters on Thursday to review flood situation in the Country and ongoing relief and rescue activities by the Army. Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani chaired the meeting. Participants took comprehensive overview of the flood situation and ongoing relief and rescue operations by the Army. COAS expressed deep sorrow over loss of precious lives and damages caused to private property and public infrastructure by the unprecedented floods. He directed the formations to continue reaching out to the marooned people and emphasized that the dearth of resources must be overcome through personal sacrifices and smart management. He announced that Army functions on 14th August and 6th September will not be held this year and savings thus accrued will be utilized for relief activities. COAS appreciated the assiduous efforts of all field formations and Army Aviation in-particular. COAS stated that Army will continue to work round the clock and at full capacity to assist the civil administration and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in providing relief to the affected countrymen. He expressed his full faith and commitment that through a joint National effort, Pakistan will successfully surmount this challenge.