Ankara, 20 March 2023 (TDI): Pakistan’s Navy Ship Nasr, carrying relief goods for earthquake victims, has docked today at the Turkish Port of Mersin. The relief goods include tents, blankets, medicines, and necessary commodities.
High-level civil and military officials of Turkey warmly welcomed the Pakistani ship upon its arrival at the Turkish port.
Another ship of Pakistani Navy Moawin is also set to arrive in Türkiye and Syria, carrying relief goods. The ship will reach the Turkish port via the sea bridge established by Pakistan on 23rd March.
The Pakistani Spokesperson extended warm greetings to the people of Türkiye and Syria and conveyed a heartfelt message of solidarity with Turkish and Syrian brothers and sisters on behalf of the Pakistani nation.
The Spokesperson further said that the Pakistani nation stands with the people of Türkiye and Syria in these testing times.
The Turkish authorities expressed their gratitude to the Pakistani authorities for their sincere and unwavering support to the earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye with land, sea, and air bridges.
The Pakistani Ship NASR is carrying relief assistance supplies, mostly winterized tents (1800) and blankets (22000).
The ship was received by Governor Mersin Mr. Ali Hamza Pehlivan, Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkiye Dr. Yousaf Junaid, Deputy Governor Ibrahim Kuçuk, Mersin Emniyet Müdürü, Mehmet Aslan, Turkish dignitaries, and representatives from media.
Ambassador Dr. Yousef Junaid spoke on the occasion stating that Turkey and Pakistan are knitted in a strong bond of friendship and brotherhood. Both countries share a common history, culture, heritage, and shared vision for a bright future.
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Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the Turkish nation in these difficult times. Governor Mersin, Ali Hamza Pehlivan also highlighted the exemplary solidarity between both counties and thanked the people of Pakistan for their swift response and humanitarian assistance.
Commander PNS Nasr, Commodore Sohail Ahmed Azmie also spoke on the occasion hailing the strength and resilience of the Turkish nation. He stated that Turkiye will soon overcome the devastation of disaster with its unfaltering determination.
After the deadly earthquake on 6th February in Turkiye, an air bridge was established between Pakistan and Turkiye to transport rescue teams and essential relief goods.
Since then, on average three flights, a day are bringing necessary items and medical aid to Turkey and the chartered operation is currently running smoothly.
On 11th March, an exclusive flight operation delivered around 25000 tents to Turkiye. Earlier, 10 special aircraft, including three Pakistan Air Force (PAF) C-130S, one PAF IL-78, three Turkish aircraft, three PIA chartered flights, and 21 truck convoys brought earthquake relief assistance supplies to Turkiye.
Moreover, Pakistani charities, including Al-Khidmat Foundation, Edhi Foundation, Baitussalam Welfare Trust, Sailani Welfare Trust, and Pakistan Red Crescent, have also been at the forefront of relief & rescue efforts in the earthquake-hit regions of Türkiye.
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