Pakistan’s armed forces on high alert as cyclone Phet looms

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s armed forces have been put on high alert on the government’s directive to cope with the possibility of cyclone Phet closing in on the country’s shoreline.

Quoting official sources, Online news agency reported the government has sought assistance from the armed forces as cyclone Phet could re-curve towards Pakistan’s coastline and Karachi could be impacted.

The heads of the three Services - Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani, Air Chief Marshal Qamar Suleman and Admiral Noman Bashir - have issued directives to their forces to remain extra alert as, besides Karachi, Thatta, Badin and other coastal areas are under threat from the cyclone.

“The armed forces are ready to cope with any calamity and will make sure that people are moved to safer places with the help of helicopters. The navy too is cooperating with the Meteorological Department, thus giving substantial awareness of any hazard as the cyclone is gathering momentum and high intensity winds could hit the coastal areas,” an official spokesman said.