Avalanche tragedy as I see it

This is very much horrifying from any angle either from human or national to know that whole lot of 135 men has been killed in just one shot without any recourse to escape by nature when Pakistan army camp has been hit hard in Siachin on Saturday 7^th April, 2012. To the best of my knowledge and belief this is the worst possible tragedy we have experienced in this mountainous area though there had been some mishaps before also but not of this magnitude. The location is so much strategically important that it simply  cannot be left unattended in any case otherwise our eternal enemy India can take control of it and merge          &nb;         &n Musharraf was the army chief.  It will be very much appropriate to say that it needs too much of extra courage to be in such an area which is none but Death Valley. Honestly speaking I was awed to see the photo of our jawans walking on the frozen sea of snow and I am sure many of the readers will not dare to go there to stay for just few hours even against payment of huge money. One can very well imagine as to what could be the life over there which our fearless army men are to face when posted over there.

We as human do very well know that anyone who is born will die and this is being carried out without any exception since first human was born and will continue alike in future as well so from that angle the death of our 135 men can be taken as a normal activity but the most annoying part is that their dead bodies could not be retrieved from thick layers of snow despite the fact that whole day many rescue teams operated on the site but no luck. I must record my utmost appreciation for those of our daring devils who risked their own lives and went out all the way to the snow valley for carrying out rescue and research operations which is very much daunting and dangerous activity in any case. The operation had to be halted as night darkened the area and weather also became very much harsh and hostile but nevertheless it will be resumed in full force with utmost zeal and zest. Anyone who dies cannot be revived and therefore his or her family will suffer for the loss till the dooms day but nevertheless once the dead body is received the relatives and near dear ones are a bit consoled and feel somewhat cooled down by burying the dead but, God forbid, if the dead body is not received as in this case then it is nothing short of adding salt to wounds and their sorrow and grief increases manifold.

I very regretfully remark that ISPR could not release full identification of those who have died. I to corroborate my statement will quote that in bulk majority of cases just one name is given like Sepoy Karim or even two names like JCO Ghulam Qadir for that matter are not enough for proper identification and I very much doubt that all the concerned people like relatives, friends and even colleagues can correctly personify who could be Karim or Ghulam Qadir since these names are quite common and many can be found in army alone. Our army has very huge population so certainly there will be many Karim and Ghulam Qadirs so which Karim and Ghulam Qadir died has a big question mark? Such like insufficient has created more confusion, chaos and agony because all of those whose relative could be Karim and working for Pakistan Army must be wondering if their Karim has died or not. In most cases relatives other than parents and immediate family do not even know where their near and dear are posted so by just reading one or two names whole lot must have come under grave shock for no reason and rhyme. I can bet on my life that many people must have contacted other Karim and Ghulam Qadir and asking for their welfare if not condoling and this really very much mocking on the part of our army which is known for efficiency coupled with diligence. Army must have released their full names along with their father names at least if not with their photo and permanent address etc.

It is not only one of the greatest shock of my life but even a few tears rolled down my eyes to be to be honest to know that till this time meaning by 0737 hrs in Kuwait and 0937 hrs in Pakistan when I am writing these lines my beloved government has not issued even condolence message what to talk of declaring national mourning without holiday. Needless to mention it is none but armed forces which defend the territorial existence of each country which is very true of Pakistan as well but perhaps it is not felt so at some higher quarters if I am not mistaken. We should not forget that all those 135 who have died under snow were not on a picnic trip rather on the contra they were valiantly defending the territorial borders of my beloved country Pakistan hence the simplest courtesy demands that they ought to be honored and not disgraced like this lest those who man our power corridor and ignore these Shaheeds of Siachen want to meet the same fate since they will also die one day come what may.

Wake up from somber sleep and prove to the world that we Pakistanis do take due care and not ignore those who care for us. I salute all those who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. Nation as a whole except a few is truly proud of you all. Pakistan Army zindabad, Pakistan paindabad, aameen.

Iqbal Hadi Zaidi / Kuwait