In 1998, at the invitation of non-government (NGO) humanitarian
organizations working in Afghanistan, PACTEC began flight
operations to and within the country. For the past three
years, two PACTEC Cessna aircraft based in Peshawar, Pakistan,
have served more than 50 NGOs by providing air transportation
for personnel and supplies engaged in relief and development
work in Afghanistan. A larger Beechcraft King Air has been
added to the aviation fleet to better meet the transportation
needs of aid workers.
Our mission through aviation to the Afghan people is to
provide the air support that will help alleviate their pressing
needs and heartbreaking suffering. In the forbidding terrain
of Afghanistan, PACTEC can reduce a hazardous three-day
journey over dangerous roads to a mere one-hour flight.
PACTEC aircraft can safely haul more than a ton of cargo
into an area that would otherwise require a train of pack
animals or four wheel drive vehicles, armed guards, and
days of grueling effort.
We have extended the work of relief and medical personnel
by flying them to any region of the country, quickly and
safely. PACTEC has assisted in medical emergency evacuations
from areas where medical facilities are unavailable or inadequate.
PACTEC brings hope in the wake of crisis. Our aircraft have
frequently flown personnel and supplies to develop clean
water systems for Afghanistan's villages, schools for its
children, hospitals for its sick, economic development projects
for its future, and to deploy resources to disarm anti-personnel
mines.
Since returning to Afghanistan, PACTEC has been providing
communications and computer support to humanitarian aid
organizations. PACTEC provides a private email network and
operates the first private Internet Cafe in Kabul. PACTEC
staff also install satellite communications systems and
computer local area networks, repair computers, and set
up radio communications systems.
Our mission through communications to the Afghan people
is to provide an infrastructure and empower those bringing
relief and hope to a war and drought ravaged land. In the
absence of widespread communications networks, PACTEC allows
fast and reliable access through the Internet for email
and research. Our email network transfers logistical and
medical information in a timely manner.
As our staff members have come into contact with those
who suffer, they have demonstrated care and sensitivity.
In times of crisis and upheaval, our wings and communications
can mean the difference between life and death.
