The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has launched a vital flood relief operation in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), bringing hope to communities battered by devastating floods. On 20 August 2025, amidst treacherous weather and rugged terrain, PAF aircraft delivered critical supplies and evacuated stranded individuals, showcasing the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to aiding those in distress.
PAF’s Swift Response to GB Flood Crisis
The PAF’s relief mission in GB marks a significant effort to support flood-hit regions isolated by damaged infrastructure. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a PAF C-130 aircraft airlifted seven tonnes of essential supplies, including dry rations, daily necessities, and life-saving medicines, from PAF Base Nur Khan in Rawalpindi to Gilgit. These supplies are destined for remote valleys cut off by severed communication lines, ensuring aid reaches the most vulnerable. The operation, coordinated with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), reflects a meticulous approach to addressing the urgent needs of flood-affected families.
The floods, triggered by heavy monsoon rains, have wreaked havoc across GB, damaging roads, bridges, and homes. The Baltistan Highway bridge collapse has severed connections to Skardu, while the Naltar Highway’s destruction has stranded tourists and locals alike. In this context, the PAF’s timely intervention provides a lifeline, offering not just supplies but also a renewed sense of security for those grappling with loss.
Evacuation Efforts Save Lives
In a parallel humanitarian effort, the PAF evacuated 75 stranded individuals from disaster-hit areas in GB. This operation, conducted under challenging weather conditions, underscores the bravery and precision of PAF personnel navigating the region’s mountainous terrain. Posts on X have highlighted the emotional resonance of these efforts, with communities expressing gratitude for the armed forces’ rapid response. The evacuations are part of a broader nationwide campaign, with the Pakistan Armed Forces working tirelessly to safeguard lives during this monsoon season’s unprecedented flooding.
The NDMA reports that over 25,000 people have been rescued nationwide since the floods began, with GB among the hardest-hit regions. The PAF’s role in airlifting supplies and evacuating people complements ground efforts by the Pakistan Army, which has been repairing roads, such as the critical Skardu link washed away at Astak. These combined efforts are critical in restoring access to isolated communities facing shortages of food, water, and electricity.
Sustained Commitment to Flood Relief in GB
The PAF’s mission extends beyond immediate aid, with plans for sustained relief operations in the coming days. Aircraft and ground teams will continue delivering food, medicines, shelter materials, and medical assistance to vulnerable communities. This ongoing commitment is vital as GB faces additional challenges, including water shortages and damaged infrastructure, with estimates suggesting over 350 homes destroyed and economic losses reaching Rs30 billion. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has also mobilised, evacuating over 3,000 people and setting up medical camps, further amplifying the relief efforts.
The NDMA has established 411 medical camps nationwide, 308 of them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to address health crises in flood-affected areas. In GB, community volunteers are repairing water supply lines and roads under harsh conditions, while the government has allocated Rs4 billion to sustain these operations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to ensure uninterrupted electricity and swift financial aid distribution underscores the national priority of supporting flood victims.
A Beacon of Hope for Gilgit-Baltistan
The PAF’s flood relief operation in GB is more than a logistical triumph; it is a testament to Pakistan’s resilience in the face of natural calamities. By delivering essential supplies and rescuing those in peril, the PAF is restoring hope to families who have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. As monsoon rains continue to threaten the region, the armed forces’ dedication, alongside coordinated efforts with the NDMA and NGOs, ensures that GB’s communities are not alone in their recovery. The PAF’s mission in Gilgit-Baltistan stands as a powerful symbol of solidarity, proving that even in the darkest times, help is at hand.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 20th, 2025
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