ISLAMABAD: Two helicopters from the Pakistan Army Aviation were deployed on Monday to assist in extinguishing fires across four different locations in the Margalla Hills National Park. The successful firefighting operation was achieved through close coordination between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
According to an NDMA spokesperson, the helicopters, along with those provided by the NDMA, were instrumental in combating fires at multiple sites within the national park. Despite challenges posed by limited ground accessibility, the 6th Aviation Squadron and the Pakistan Army worked together to bring the fires under control at three locations, with helicopter operations continuing until dusk. Approximately 70% of the fire was extinguished at the remaining site on the hilltop, with support from Capital Development Authority (CDA) personnel.
Romina Khurshid Alam, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Climate Change, swiftly contacted Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, the Chairman of NDMA, to request helicopter assistance. Alam ensured that helicopters reached the affected area within ten minutes. Joint efforts between the CDA and NDMA led to successful containment of the fires at MF-17 and MF-16 Cheran Di Gali.
Alam also advised tourists to avoid hiking during heatwaves. The firefighting operation saw the first helicopter from the 6th Aviation Squadron using water from Rawal Dam, while the second helicopter, dispatched by the Pakistan Army, utilized water from Khanpur Dam.
Alam expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army and Chairman NDMA for their prompt response. Throughout the operation, she closely monitored the situation, ensuring efficient management of firefighting efforts.
In a statement from the Prime Minister House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the coordinated efforts of all departments and officials involved in containing the Margalla Hills fire. He praised the Pakistan Army, NDMA, Islamabad Administration, Coordinator Ministry of Climate Change Romina Khursheed Alam, and the ministry’s officers and staff for their dedicated efforts in extinguishing the fire. Additionally, he thanked the Pakistan Army for providing helicopters to aid in firefighting efforts, noting the participation of helicopters from the PM House and 6th Aviation Squadron in the operation.
