Stranded students evacuated

GULMIT, Feb 2: A Pakistan Army MI-17 helicopter evacuated around 150 stranded students from Gulmit, the Tehsil Headquarters of Gojal Valley. The chopper made five sorties and dropped the students at the Aliabad town of central Hunza. Hundreds of people were stranded in the Gojal Valley due to suspension of boat service, which is the only means of transportation available for the people since January 2010. The surface of the lake had frozen making it impossible for the boat operators to transport the passengers. According to sources the Pakistan Army plans to make similar sorties in the future to evacuate more passengers. The local people have appreciated the Pakistan Army for helping them in the time of dire need.–PT]]>