VisionHawk
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Jordanian King holds wide-ranging discussions with President Musharraf, pledges continued relief assistance
UN Under Secretary General calls on President
President says aid supplies coming, it must reach victims in organized way
UN terms SA quake as mega disaster, calls for coordinated relief
Saarc Commerce ministers meeting postponed, Summit still on
Efforts underway for rescue of quake affectees: Maj Gen Javed Aslam
World FMs express solidarity with Pakistan
Heavy responsibility on public reps after quake: Wasim Shahzad
Free electricity to quake affected areas for three months: NA told
NA passes unanimous resolution for NA Relief Fund
Japan announces $ 20 million aid for quake-victims: Sherpao
King Abdullah-II of Jordon arrives
Nation stands united to help earthquake victims: Anisa
UN Under Secretary General calls on PM
Pakistan appreciates Russian assistance for earthquake victims
Pak Army shift 702 patients to twin cities' hospitals during last 15 hours
Relief, rescue operation continues at mass level in quake affected areas
President, PM observe Yuam-e-Dua, offer Juma prayer
PM, President review efforts to step up relief operation
PM lauds UN role in relief operations
PM, King Abdullah of Jordan discuss bilateral ties
Sh. Rashid visits quake devastated areas
PM receives Rs. 93.1 million donation on Friday
Lahore Air Base to be opened for handling relief aircrafts
Jordanian King holds wide-ranging discussions with President Musharraf, pledges continued relief assistance
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP)- King Abdullah-II of Jordan paid a brief visit to Pakistan during which he held wide-ranging discussions on a number of bilateral and regional issues with President Pervez Musharraf and assured his country's continued relief assistance in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake. President Musharraf briefed the Jordanian Monarch on the magnitude of the disaster that had befallen Pakistan and thanked him for the timely and generous assistance rendered by the Jordanian Government. King Abdullah-II, for his part expressed sympathies for the earthquake victims and assured the President that Jordanian assistance would be rendered on an ongoing basis till such time as it was needed.
On arrival at Aiwan e Sadr, President Musharraf welcomed the visiting leader, the one-on-one meeting between the two leaders continued for half an hour. After Iftar, the two leaders offered Maghrib prayers. Their discussion continued over dinner where Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also joined. The President appreciated the Jordanian Monarch's efforts at projecting the moderate face of Islam within the West by promoting cross-civilizational dialogue. He emphasized that concept of "enlightened moderation" enunciated by him at the 10th OIC Summit had the same purpose. Both leaders agreed that such Initiatives were necessary to avert the threat of an inter-civilisational conflict. Discussions on bilateral issues covered diverse fields of economic and commercial cooperation.
The President emphasized that Pakistan's economic progress in recent years had created an investment-friendly climate within the country, In this context, he suggested that Jordan consider the establishment of a Pakistan-Jordan Joint Investment Company on the lines of similar institutions with other friendly countries. King Abdullah-ll said that relevant Jordanian authorities would look into this and other areas of cooperation. Both leaders agreed that the long-festering issues of Palestine and Kashmir needed to be resolved, They appreciated Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip and expressed the hope that this would lead to visible progress towards the implementation of the peace plan culminating in the creation of a viable Palestinian State.
The President explained that Pakistan's initiative towards Israel was aimed at pushing the peace process forward, and stressed that this gesture towards Israel did not imply recognition. The President briefed King Abdullah-ll on Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and stability. In this context he mentioned the ongoing composite dialogue with India and support to the Karzai Government in Afghanistan. The Jordanian Monarch commended these efforts which, he said, would contribute to greater stability even outside the Immediate region of South Asia. Earlier, on arrival, the Jordanian King was received by Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri.
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UN Under Secretary General calls on President
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Friday appreciated the prompt and overwhelming response of the international community and the extremely important role the UN organizations in Pakistan were playing in helping the government coordinate relief assistance for the quake-affected people. He was talking to UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, who called on him here. President Musharraf outlined the relief actions of the government and the setting up of the Federal Relief Commission to oversee the required response from the civil and military authorities. A Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Governmental Agency was also being set up. Providing shelter and food with tents and blankets for some two to three million people was the first priority of the government.
The Under Secretary General conveyed the deep condolences of UN Secretary General Kofi Anan and the entire UN system for the earthquake disaster and the terrible damage to life and property which had been occasioned. UN Under Secretary General appreciated the response of the government of Pakistan. He said no government in the world could be prepared for massive disasters, and gave the example of the immense effort which was needed to respond to the calamities of the Tsunami and hurricane Katrina.
He expounded on the UN disaster relief experience. The Under Secretary General stressed that the UN system could play a vital supportive role in search and rescue, providing emergency relief by reaching out to the affectees, particularly in remote areas and in running camps for those without shelter. However, he said, the International Financial Institutions, with their resources could take the supportive lead in relief and reconstruction. Egeland said the need for many more helicopters was vital given the rugged and inaccessible terrain. The UN was doing its part with four helicopters in place, four more expected shortly and with a medium term target of 20 helicopters, he added. Pakistan must seek more helicopters, he added. The President agreed on the need for more helicopters, which he had projected as the first relief priority from the start.
He appreciated that the US had already deployed 8 helicopters and more were on the way. The President also appreciated the helicopters which had been sent by the UN, the Agha Khan Foundation, ICRC, UNAMA, WFP, Germany and Afghanistan. More were on the way from Japan, Canada and Iran. The President and the Under Secretary General discussed modalities for the reconstruction of destroyed and heavily damaged towns, villages and hamlets. The Under Secretary General informed the President that the new UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative, Jan J. Vandermoortele, had been appointed as the overall UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan.
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President says aid supplies coming, it must reach victims in organized way
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Friday called for enhancing coordination between the Government, the private organizations and foreign agencies to give further impetus to rescue and relief efforts in quake-stricken areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and NWFP. "Relief assistance is flowing into the earthquake-hit areas in large quantities from around the country and abroad as well - the emphasis now must be to provide it to the victims, we must ensure provision of shelter, food and medicines to them through an organized effort," he stated. He was addressing a meeting at the Federal Relief Commission, set up at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also attended the meeting.
The President said army medical teams are striving to provide on-the-spot treatment to maximum number of quake-hit people now medical aid is being provided to people of the cutoff areas. He appreciated the spirit of the armed forces, volunteers, non-government organizations, and the corporate sector, who have joined the government in the colossal task of providing relief to the victims. The meeting reviewed the pace of relief operations and evaluated various options for rehabilitation of the quake victims and reconstruction of the damaged areas. Federal Relief Commissioner Maj. Gen Farooq Ahmed Khan briefed the participants about the ongoing relief operations and coordination between various provincial units of the Commission. Later, Press Secretary to the President told APP that the Government has not called off rescue efforts and the rescuers are making all possible endeavours to pull out survivors alive.
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UN terms SA quake as mega disaster, calls for coordinated relief
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The United Nations Friday urged the world community to come with more financial assistance, saying billions of dollars would be needed for reconstruction and rehabilitation of an estimated four millions people rendered shelter-less by October 8 earthquake. UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, on a flying visit to Pakistan to have a first-hand knowledge about the quake-disaster described the situation as "disaster beyound belief". Addressing a press conference here, he appreciated the massive relief efforts by Pakistan government and the International community but called for more coordination to achieve optimum results. Egeland said the scale of disaster was similar to that caused by the Dec 26 Tsunami and said it could take upto ten years for rebuilding.
Though the number of those killed was less, but the number of people displaced was much higher and there were thousands who had injuries that could maim them for the rest of their lives, he added. Egeland who met President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz earlier in the day said, the government has directed maximum facilitation to the international relief efforts. These include facilitation of visa for all aid workers, immediate customs free access for relief goods and facilitation for NGOs arriving for the humanitarian relief work. According to official death toll the 7.6 magnitude earthquake has so far killed over 25,000 people, injured 63,000 and rendered over 3.3 million homeless in parts of Kashmir and Pakistan.
The UN official said there was an urgent need to reach out to those people at the remotest locations, without any roof and requiring medical attention. Egeland made an urgent appeal for more helicopters, tents, blankets, food and medicines and called for removing all bottlenecks in delivery of aid. He said the Search and Rescue phase was now turning into saving those who have surivived. By Friday morning over 134 aircrafts carrying relief goods had arrived at a military air base near Islamabad and hundreds were expected in the days to come, he added. The earthquake had caused massive landslides blocking all roads leading to the affected areas in the Himalayan region and the rescue and relief work had to be done by around 50 helicopters, including those donated by the USA, Germany, Japan and other countries.
The UN Coordinator however called for prioritizing the relief work asking "delivery of relief goods to those who have not yet received any...we have to organise our generosity." Hundreds of trucks were travelling bumper to bumper in meandering roads towards the quake affected areas. Jan Egeland said so far the UN has registered US 225 million worth of donations in cash, but asked more from other nations. He hoped by next week the relief operation would grow bigger and better with the arrival of more tents, water purification systems, food and medicine. The United Nations will be here for a long time and would assist Pakistan in setting up a Disaster Management System. Responding to a question, he urged the international community for more funds, saying billios of dollars would be needed for rebuilding and reconstruction. He said the UN's flash pledges of 275 million dollars would have to be revised and added, other donors like the Res Crescent and the Res Cross were also revising their donations.
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Saarc Commerce ministers meeting postponed, Summit still on
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan on Friday announced postponement of the SAARC Commerce Ministers meeting due to the severe earthquake and ensuing destruction, but said it was looking forward to attend the 13th Summit from Nov 12-13 in Dhaka. A statement by the Foreign Office said "the Government of Pakistan was constrained to announce the postponement due to the severe earthquake and destruction caused by it in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir." It announced postponement of dates of the Fifth SAARC Commerce Ministers meeting and the one of Eleventh Committee of Experts (COE) on SAFTA scheduled from October 18-22, New dates for the meetings will be announced in consultation with the member countries and the SAARC Secretariat. The statement said that despite the difficult situation and widespread devastation in earthquake, Pakistan is committed to keep the SAARC process moving and is looking forward to attend the Thirteenth SAARC Summit from November 12-13 at Dhaka.
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Efforts underway for rescue of quake affectees: Maj Gen Javed Aslam
CHAKLALA AIRBASE, Oct 14 (APP): Commander Army Aviation Maj Gen Javed Aslam Tahir on Friday said all possible efforts are being made for the rescue of affectees in quake-hit areas. Talking to media here at Chaklala Airbase , he said that shifting of injured people from the affected areas is the top most priority of the Pakistan Army. He said Pakistan Army personnel are working 24 hours in the relief and rescue operations. Army Aviation helicopters on Friday carried out rescue and relief operations in several inaccessible areas of quake-stricken cities, he said.
He further said relief items were also dropped in Chakot, Suddan Galli,Saropa Neelam valley and Garhi Doppatta. The relief goods included food items,tents and blankets werem dropped by helicopters. He said relief items are being distributed in Muzaffarabad and surrounding area where the roads are reopened. To a question, he said that soon after the severe earthquake, which caused vast destruction, Pakistan Army had started rescue and relief operations.
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World FMs express solidarity with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The Foreign Ministers from various regions of the world have sent messages of condolences and expressed sympathy and support to Foreign Minister Kasuri on the tragic earthquake which struck Pakistan on October 8. While expressing their sorrow and grief in this moment of pain for the people and government of Pakistan, the Foreign Ministers assured Foreign Minister Kasuri that their governments remain ready to assist Pakistan in any manner that might be needed.
This included the Foreign Minister of Sultanate of Oman, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Dr. Muhamad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr.Mladen Invanic, Foreign Minister of Republic of Djibouti, Mr.Mahmood Ali Youssouf, Foreign Minister of South Africa, Dr.Dlamini Zuma, Foreign Minister of Finland, Mr. Erkki Tumioja, Foreign Minister of Thailand, Dr.Kantathi Suphamongkon, Foreign Minister of Lebanon, Mr.Fawzi Salloukh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarvoic, Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Mr.Phil Goff, Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Secretary General of League of Arab States, Mr.Amre Moussa and the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mr.Jaeques Diouf. The Foreign Minister thanked them for their offer of support and assistance.
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Heavy responsibility on public reps after quake: Wasim Shahzad
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Shahzad Wasim on Friday said there is a heavy responsibility on the elected representatives in the wake of the worst ever natural disaster in the country's history. Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister paid tributes to the nation for standing as one and forgetting their regional identities. "This crisis has united the nation. Nobody is today saying that he is a Balochi or Karachiite," he said. Wasim said it was not true that all the government machinery concentrated its rescue efforts at the collapsed Margallah Towers in Islamabad. He said such an impression was created because the first information of disaster after the earthquake came from these apartment buildings. He said the government machinery immediately reached the towers within 15 minutes of the earthquake.
The army he added was called in after assessing the situation and that prompt action led to saving of 90 lives. He said police, army and civil volunteers took part in the rescue operation at the collapsed building site without caring for their own lives. President Pervez Musharraf, Wasim said, reached the site of Margallah Towers despite warning by the Met Office that strong aftershocks were expected. The minister said there was some delay in sending rescue teams to Azad Kashmir but the government reacted promptly after it got the information about the magnitude of the disaster. "Within 48 hours main roads in Azad Kashmir were opened and whatever resources that were available with the government were mobilized," he said.
He said the wounded are being brought to the local hospitals by road and helicopters and some buildings have been hired to cater to the "spill over" patients. Wasim reiterated the government's resolve to set up model towns and cities at places where at present there are heaps of debris. Participating in the debate, Minister for Law and Justice, Wasi Zafar informed the House that he had personally visited earthquake affected areas. He said the local administration could not react swiftly because the families of government officials were also affected badly. The Minister said now the situation has changed and government, private organizations, philanthropists and volunteers have reached there to assist the victims.
There is no shortage of food and medicines while communication networks and electricity has been restored in the quake-stricken areas, he added. He said even small villages are being supplied food and medicines by the rescue teams. About rehabilitation efforts, he said the government and people are working day and night to support their brethren in this hour of need. Appreciating the role of the opposition, he said the opposition members are also taking part in the relief activities. He said there is a need to lift the morale of the people who are depressed and dejected over the loss of lives and property. Briefing the House about rescue and relief efforts, Health Minister Muhammad Nasir Khan said that operations of more than 2,300 seriously injured people were carried out at Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS).
These patients having head and spinal injuries were brought from Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts while injured persons of Balakot were being shifted to field hospitals in Mansehra and Abbottabad, he added. The Minister informed that 21 medical teams and 29 surgical teams and a team of 250 doctors are providing medical cover to the affected people. Nasir Khan said six field hospitals manned and equipped by different foreign teams are filling gaps where district hospitals were destroyed. The French, Italian, Belgian, ICRC, Saudi Arabia and Spanish Teams are working in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Balakot and Bagh respectively.
He said the Czechoslovakian and Hungarian teams equipped with modern field hospitals have also arrived. The Minister said immunization campaign has been launched against measles and tetanus in the affected areas. For vector control and management of dead bodies, he said, four fogging and spraying teams have been deployed in districts of NWFP and two teams to AJK, he added. The Minister said 10 mobilizing teams with 20 psychologists and psychiatrists will operate in affected areas of AJK and NWFP. The Minister said an estimated 2.5 million out of 3.5 million people have been displaced in quake stricken area. The devastation caused by earthquake is much bigger than Tsunami and Katrina typhoon. Earlier the members called for crisis management by the government and questioned the performance of the Crisis Management Cell. "The Crisis Management Cell was supposed to deal with natural disasters like earthquake and storms. It should be grilled by a committee of the house set up to probe its performance," Kunwar Khalid Younus from MQM said.
He said the government should open up its borders to aid from all countries of the world as no nation today can survive in isolation. The member said during his visit to Abbottabad, he found Ayub Medical College in a very dilapidated condition due to earthquake. He said the natural calamity has wiped out a generation of 10 to 15 thousand children between the age of two and three years. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of PPPP urged the members of the cabinet to stay in the worst affected areas to know their problems. He said a proper channel of distribution of relief goods was missing and praised the electronic media for highlighting the miseries of quake-stricken people. Imran Khan of PTI said the crisis management is lacking in view of the colossal damage by the earthquake and added that help did not reach the worst hit areas.
He called for better coordination among the local government, civil administration and the army to carry out rescue efforts and despatching of relief goods to the deserving people. The government, he added, should give a rehabilitation plan of the destroyed areas of Muzaffarabad, Balakot and other worst affected areas. Deputy Speaker Sardar Muhammad Yaqub said Abbottabad area to which he belongs is one of the worst hit by the earthquake. He said 16 out of the 51 Union Councils of Abbottabad have suffered colossal damages and bulk supply of water was desperately needed. He said the tubewell of Ayub Medical College has also been destroyed in the earthquake and there is severe water shortage for the wounded and the staff. "We don't need bottled water. The problem there can only be addressed through bulk supply of water," he added.
He said in steep hilly areas, where helicopters cannot land, the government should send troops on foot to help in relief activities. Murtaza Satti also called for crisis management and supply of relief goods to far off areas. Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N), Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said as winter season is approaching, people of quake affected areas urgently require tents and blankets. Presently, enough food is provided in these areas, therefore provision of tents and blankets would help ease their sufferings. Taking part in the debate, Sher Akbar Khan expressed his grief and sorrow over the loss of thousands of precious human lives. He appreciated the solidarity showed by the nation and the immediate financial and logistic support of international community to meet this crisis. Sher Akbar Khan asked the government to make arrangements for early rehabilitation of quake affectees of district Buner. Tehmina Daultana and Abdul Gafoor Haidari also took part in the debate and expressed sympathies with the grieved families.
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Free electricity to quake affected areas for three months: NA told
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister for Water and Power Liaqat Jatoi Friday said the government will provide free of cost electricity to the earthquake affected areas for three months. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said the payment of electricity bill for the month of September has also been deferred till the complete rehabilitation of affected people. The Minister said the devastated earthquake had badly affected the electricity network in the areas. The entire system was collapsed owing to destruction of infrastructure following the unprecedented earthquake in AJK and Hazara Division, he added. Liaqat Jatoi informed the House that rehabilitation efforts were started and with utmost efforts of the WAPDA employees, the electricity has been restored to several areas including Abbottabad, Balakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot and Hajeera.
He said the electricity supply to Neelam Jhelum Valley and Thakot will soon be restored. The Minister said the earthquake in AJK and Hazara Division was fifth biggest disaster in the history adding, it was more devastating than the Tsunami. Appreciating the Opposition, he said they have set an example of national unity and solidarity. He also thanked all those countries which assisted the country in present difficult time. He proposed to adopt a unanimous resolution in recognition of assistance provided by these countries.
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NA passes unanimous resolution for NA Relief Fund
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution to set up a relief fund in which the members will donate their one month's salaries for the earthquake relief efforts. The resolution which was moved by Kashmala Tariq, also called for mobilizing volunteers to help in the rescue efforts and collect donations for the victims. It also called for setting up a joint committee of the house comprising treasury and opposition members, which will visit the quake-hit areas and monitor the rescue and relief efforts.
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Japan announces $ 20 million aid for quake-victims: Sherpao
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Japan has announced $ 20 million aid for quake-victims in Pakistan, the Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said Friday. Japan's Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shuzen Tanigawa and Japan ambassador to Pakistan Tanake called upon Sherpao in his office Friday and said that the 40 percent of the total aid would be released immediately, while the remaining is to be given after bilateral talks. Shuzen Tanigawa told Sherpao that 26 members rescue team was already working in quake-hit areas, while an other 100 member rescue team would reach Friday. Sherpao expressed his gratitude to Japanese government for providing aid to Pakistan in difficult hour and condoled death of 3 Japanese in collapse of Margalla Tower in Islamabad.
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King Abdullah-II of Jordon arrives
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived here this evening for a brief visit, as part of his tour of some Islamic countries in Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. He was received at the Chaklala Air Base by Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and Minister of State Khusro Bakhtiar and ambassadors of Muslim states. He was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Pakistan Air Force. The King will hold talks with the President on wide-ranging issues of mutual interest. The President will brief the Jordanian Monarch on the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Pakistan.
The King will leave for Amman the same night. Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close and cordial relations marked by religious affinity and commonality of views on important issues. The late King Hussain visited Pakistan in March 1988 while the President visited Amman in 2001. Jordan was among the few countries to have immediately responded to the President's appeal to the international community for relief assistance. It sent two plane loads of relief goods on October 10, and subsequently a mobile hospital personally escorted and supervised by Prince Rashid bin Al-Hasan, the son of Prince Hasan Bin Talal and Princes Sarvath. The 25-bed field hospital manned by a support staff of over 50, including 11 doctors, has been deployed in Rawalakot.
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Nation stands united to help earthquake victims: Anisa
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli said Friday, the whole nation stands united to help mitigate the sufferings of recent earthquake victims. "We have to face this catastrophic situation as a strong nation with determination and courage", she said while talking to media persons here at the Chief Commissioner Office. The District Administration Islamabad on Friday dispatched another eight truck-loads of relief goods including edibles and medicines to quake hit areas in District Mansehra of NWFP. The relief goods being dispatched by the district administration were contributed by local businessmen and general public. Senators Pari Gul Agha, Nighat Agha and Gulshan Saeed were also present on the occasion.
They have also brought a number of truck-loads of food, clothing, bedding and medicines for the quake-hit areas. Anisa Zeb said, the people are generously offering aids for the quake stricken areas. To a question, the Minister of State said, the government has taken serious note of some looting incidents in earthquake hit areas, adding, appropriate measures are being taken to check such happenings. She, however, also urged the people of affected areas to help the relief workers in judicious distribution of relief goods among the needy and identify and stop such people, who are engaged in inhuman activities of looting the relief goods. The Minister of State also urged the businessmen, particularly those dealing in the goods and articles required for relief, to refrain from profiteering, as it was the duty of all to help the people hit by the devastating earthquake. Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Khalid Pervez informed the newsmen that district administration has so far sent 35 trucks loaded with essential items like tents, blankets, rice, sugar, water, pulses, oil, ghee, candles, match boxes, cloths etc. to the quake hit areas during the last few days.
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UN Under Secretary General calls on PM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Jan Egeland, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator called on Prime minister Shaukat Aziz Friday and discussed the ongoing massive relief operation in the quake-hit areas. He also discussed the role of UN agencies in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The Prime Minister said that it was a tragedy of mammoth proportions and the government has mobilized its entire machinery including two divisions of the armed forces for providing relief to the victims. They discussed details of several short term and long term measures being contemplated for rehabilitation of the affected people.
Prime Minister Aziz told the UN envoy that despite the serious nature of the calamity, the moral of the people was still high and they were facing the situation with remarkable courage and fortitude. The Prime minister said that the government has already constituted a committee to asses the extent of damage caused by the earthquake to housing and infrastructure in the country. The Prime Minister also informed that opening of roads and communication links was the immediate priority of the government with a view to facilitating the relief operations.
"Not only the government departments and agencies are taking part in the releif efforts but also the NGOs and volunteers", he added. He also appreciated the role of international community and the UN which have responded to the call for providing relief in a swift manner and hoped that the situation would improve gradually. The UN Relief Coordinator said "we have agreed to coordinate national relief effort with international relief effort". He stressed the need for carrying out the whole operation in an organized and well coordinated manner.
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Pakistan appreciates Russian assistance for earthquake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan has appreciated the Russian assistance for the earthquake victims. Pakistan's Ambassador in Russian Federation, Mustafa Kamal Kazi while talking to a Russian radio channel apprised the listeners of the profound devastation in the calamity-hit, areas. The Ambassador said, the focus of government's relief efforts is to provide immediate assistance in the form of medical aid, food supplies, clothing and shelter. He said Russian rescue team was second to reach on the spot and start relief work in Muzafarabad. The Ambassador said Pakistan received substantial quantity of relief supplies in form of tents, blankets and food from the Russian Federation.
A Russian medical team comprising doctors and para-medical staff has also reached Muzafarabad and set up a field hospital. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for sending message of consolation and sympathy on occasion of this tragedy. The Ambassador further said, the next phase would be to rehabilitate the affected population and reconstruct the damaged infrastructure including construction of offices, hospitals, schools buildings and communication networks which can be shared by Russia.
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Pak Army shift 702 patients to twin cities' hospitals during last 15 hours
CHAKLALA AIRBASE Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan Army has shifted 702 wounded persons from the quake-hit areas to the hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad during the last 15 hours. Total 44 helicopters participated in operation and shifted patients from quake-hit areas. Two more US Navy's helicopters MH53 also participated in operation. Other helicopter participated in shifting the patients include MI-17,--Chinook, Black Hawk, CH53 (Germany), Pakistan Navy's Sea King, C-13, Bell 412 and Puma. Similarly, 70 truck loaded with relief goods were airlifted in 45 helicopters from Chaklala Airbase for distribution among needy people of affected areas. Meanwhile, an additional 50 bed hospital has been established by the Army in Muzaffarabad to provide medical treatment to the injured of Quake-affectees. Over 4500 injured of quake-hit areas have been shifted to Combined Military Hospitals Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Jhelum, Kharrian and Gujranwala in army helicopters during last five days.
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Relief, rescue operation continues at mass level in quake affected areas
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Relief and rescue operation in the quake affected areas of the country continued on Friday at a mass level with the major thrust to reach out those areas which had been inaccessible so far. More than two Divisions of Pakistan Army which moved into the quake hit areas have been engaged in mass level relief and rescue operations in Muzaffarbad, Bagh, Rawlakot and Balakot. The troops with are undertaking multifarious additional tasks like coordinating relief efforts of foreign teams and NGOs and volunteers who have come from all over the country to help the needy, assisting local administration in maintenance of law and order, burial of dead, mobilise local population through civil administration and retired local military personnel, liaison with the medical camps and transportation of relief goods to forward areas through mechanised and animal transport. Mini Forward Bases have been established by the troops to reach inaccessible areas where they could not reach in the first five days.
A considerable success has been achieved to reach these inaccessible areas by road or by helicopters. During the last twenty four hours, 82 sorties were flown to places where rescue and relief operations could not be carried out in first three days. Relief and Rescue operations were carried out in Sortir, Lamina, Saropa, Chakoti, Gari Dupatta, Pir Chinari, Billgra, Sarwan, Pandu, Hatian Balla, Ghori, Dhani, Ging, Pangkot, Patika and Nowseri and Neelum and Jhelum valleys and Paris, Kakiwar, Jareed and Allanpur. All the areas were inaccessible earlier, but the daring troops of Pakistan army have made them accessible for providing relief and rescue to the quake devastated areas.
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President, PM observe Yuam-e-Dua, offer Juma prayer
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz offered Juma prayer together in PM Secretariat and observed Yuam-e-Dua for earthquake victims. The President and Prime Minister attended the briefing of Federal Relief Commission established in PM Secretariat to overall monitor and carry out the relief activities. During the break, the President, Prime Minister and other participants of the meeting offered Juma prayer in the Secretariat. Later they participated in special Dua offered for the victims of October 8, earthquake. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant patience and courage to the survivors, and save the nation from future calamities.
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PM, President review efforts to step up relief operation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in a meeting on Friday reviewed efforts to step up on going relief and rescue operations in the quake hit areas. Both the leaders stressed that the relief operation should be conducted in a coordinated way aimed at ensuring maximum support in the shortest possible time. They were unanimous that the unprecedented spirit of solidarity shown by the nation would prove an asset at the time of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
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PM lauds UN role in relief operations
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday deeply appreciated the invaluable role of the UN system, which has always been Pakistan's development partner, for its prompt and effective response to the overwhelming challenge of the disaster suffered by Pakistan from the earthquake. The Prime Minister was talking to UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Jan Egeland who called on him Friday afternoon. It was also particularly appreciated that a UN disaster assessment team arrived within 24 hours of the catastrophe. This enabled the UN to launch its $ 271 million Flash Appeal to meet the immediate life saving needs of the affected people and areas. The Prime Minister said, Pakistan was expending all its energies and resources, through the Government and the people of Pakistan to meet the challenge, for which international assistance was also required, not only for the rescue phase, which was almost over, and the succeeding phases of relief followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction.
"The Government was determined to streamline all procedures to facilitate relief assistance from abroad," he said. The Under Secretary General assured the Prime Minister that in Pakistan's hour of need the UN system would not be found wanting. The magnitude of the disaster was perhaps more than that suffered under the Tsunami which devastated many of the littoral States of the Indian Ocean. The UN system had set up a system of clusters dealing with the main sectoral issues which had to be addressed to meet the challenges now faced by Pakistan, including the fields of health and shelter, etc.
The UN system has already developed a good working relationship with the Government machinery for dealing together with the task at hand. In the days to come, he said, they would also concentrate on developing closer coordination with all the Government relief Departments and organizations, including with the Military which was coordinating the major part of the relief effort at the rear base area of Rawalpindi/Islamabad and the affected areas in NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister recommended that the Under Secretary General should meet before his departure Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, the newly appointed Federal Relief Commissioner who would be coordinating all relief actions by the civil and military authorities.
He agreed that the UN system in Islamabad should help coordinate the activities of the international NGOs in Pakistan and those who were now coming in large numbers with the noble desire to help the people in the affected areas. The Under Secretary said, they had an important role to play and it was necessary that their activities should also be guided in a manner in which the best use could be made of their humanitarian idealism and enthusiasm to assist. The Under Secretary General assured that the UN would offer all assistance in this regard to the Government and the NGOs. The Prime Minister concluded by appreciating the central role being played by Under Secretary General Jan Egeland in the UN's disaster relief response, for which he had broken away from his tour of the Tsunami affected region. All assistance would be given to his team, and the Prime Minister looked forward to his next visit.
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PM, King Abdullah of Jordan discuss bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and King Abdullah II of Jordan Friday discussed ways and means to further promoting bilateral relations between the two countries in diplomatic, political and economic fields. The Prime Minister appreciated Jordan's support for the quake-hit victims as King Abdullah assured all assistance to Pakistan in this hour of need. The King was here on a brief visit during which he held wide-ranging talks on a number of bilateral and regional issues with President Pervez Musharraf and assured his country's continued relief assistance in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake.
The Prime Minister recalled the close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Jordan characterized by religious affinity and commonality of views on important issues. Jordan was among the few countries which immediately responded to Pakistan's appeal for the international assistance to the earthquake-hit areas. Jordan has sent two plane loads of relief goods and more assistance from the country was on the way. Earlier in the day, Prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan of Jordan also called on the Prime Minister to discuss relief efforts. Prince Rashid, the son of Prince Hasan Bin Talal and Princess Sarvath, personally escorted a mobile hospital on October 10. He supervised the entire process of setting up the 25-bed hospital in Rawalakot, which is manned by a support staff of over 50, including 11 doctors.
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Sh. Rashid visits quake devastated areas
MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, on Friday visited different areas here to review the activities underway to provide relief to the quake-affected people. The minister had visited the devastated areas following the directives of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The minister reviewed the medical facilities being provided by the Army Field Hospitals and other Social Welfare Organizations at Neelum Stadium Muzaffarabad. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was told that more than 6,000 patients were provided medical treatment including the surgical operations of various nature at the Neelum Stadium medical camp. The minister inquired about the health of patients, assured them for their complete rehabilitation and said that the whole nation was with them at this tragic moment. He appreciated the role of Army and other social organizations for providing help to the earthquake-victims and said that their role would be acknowledged for ever in the national history.
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PM receives Rs. 93.1 million donation on Friday
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Public and Private sector are generously contributing towards President's relief fund for earthquake victims and on Friday alone Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received Rs. 93.1 million in donation. The following public private sector organisation presented cheques to the Prime Minister today for the relief of the earthquake affected people towards the President's Disaster Relief Fund. Hyundai Motor Co US $ 300,000/- , Kia Motors US $ 100,000/-, NESPAK Rs 1.5 million, PPIB Rs 1 lac, KESC Rs. 20 lac (2-million), NPCC Rs 2.5 million, WAPDA Rs 13.5 million, SECP Rs. 10 million, Pak-Libya Holdings Rs. 10 million, Lakhra Coal Rs. 26,000/- only, Asia Petroleum Rs. 1 million, Overseas oil trading Rs 5 lac, BP Pak exploration Rs 12 million, Occidental Rs. 12 million and Orient Petroleum Rs. 4 million.
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Lahore Air Base to be opened for handling relief aircrafts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The government has decided to open up another Air Base in Lahore for handling relief aircraft as the ongoing relief activity has saturated the available ground and airspace of Islamabad Airport/PAF Base Chaklala. To ameliorate the situation, aircraft coming in with relief goods alone, will be shared between Islamabad and Lahore, and subsequently the Air Base in Peshawar for off loading. The aircraft bringing in medical teams, their equipment and other machinery and equipment, will be given preference for off load at Islamabad. It has also decided that no overnight parking will be provided to visiting aircraft at Islamabad till further notice.
The aircraft requesting for a night stop will be dispatched to Lahore as an alternative and depending upon the parking space available at Islamabad, the relief aircraft will be diverted to Peshawar and Lahore. The government has requested Embassies, UN and other aid agencies to formulate their requests for aircraft clearance accordingly to expedite response, and also for advance provision of making arrangements to off load and then transport up country relief supplies. Donor countries, the UN Agencies and other aid and relief agencies and organizations have been requested to explore matching their air lift capabilities with supplies of tents and blankets in third countries, which in some cases are already in national and aid agencies stockpiles.
For instance in an OCHA Aid meeting in Geneva this afternoon, UNHCR outlined some of its available tents and blankets resources in third countries. Donor countries and relief and aid agencies may wish to further explore the possibility of synergy to expedite relief response. To speed up the off loading of relief supplies, to enable a quicker turn around of relief planes, freeing airport berths for more relief flights, 7 and 3 tons or other in between capacity fork lifts, and also a smaller number of Belt Loaders would be of great utility.
Islamabad Airport/PAF Base Chaklala are handling on the average 24-30 aircrafts daily, which are bringing in medical teams, field hospitals, machinery and relief goods to support the national effort for earthquake relief. From Chaklala, these teams, equipment and goods are transported by helicopters and trucks for distribution to the affected populace and areas. The Air Base is also handling the majority of relief helicopters flights which are transporting medical teams and relief goods, and bringing back patients for medical treatment. Spam detection software, running on the system "smtp.dsl.net.pk", hasidentified this incoming email as possible spam. The original messagehas been attached to this so you can view it (if it isn't spam) or labelsimilar future email. If you have any questions, see postmaster@dsl.net.pk for details.
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UN Under Secretary General calls on President
President says aid supplies coming, it must reach victims in organized way
UN terms SA quake as mega disaster, calls for coordinated relief
Saarc Commerce ministers meeting postponed, Summit still on
Efforts underway for rescue of quake affectees: Maj Gen Javed Aslam
World FMs express solidarity with Pakistan
Heavy responsibility on public reps after quake: Wasim Shahzad
Free electricity to quake affected areas for three months: NA told
NA passes unanimous resolution for NA Relief Fund
Japan announces $ 20 million aid for quake-victims: Sherpao
King Abdullah-II of Jordon arrives
Nation stands united to help earthquake victims: Anisa
UN Under Secretary General calls on PM
Pakistan appreciates Russian assistance for earthquake victims
Pak Army shift 702 patients to twin cities' hospitals during last 15 hours
Relief, rescue operation continues at mass level in quake affected areas
President, PM observe Yuam-e-Dua, offer Juma prayer
PM, President review efforts to step up relief operation
PM lauds UN role in relief operations
PM, King Abdullah of Jordan discuss bilateral ties
Sh. Rashid visits quake devastated areas
PM receives Rs. 93.1 million donation on Friday
Lahore Air Base to be opened for handling relief aircrafts
Jordanian King holds wide-ranging discussions with President Musharraf, pledges continued relief assistance
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP)- King Abdullah-II of Jordan paid a brief visit to Pakistan during which he held wide-ranging discussions on a number of bilateral and regional issues with President Pervez Musharraf and assured his country's continued relief assistance in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake. President Musharraf briefed the Jordanian Monarch on the magnitude of the disaster that had befallen Pakistan and thanked him for the timely and generous assistance rendered by the Jordanian Government. King Abdullah-II, for his part expressed sympathies for the earthquake victims and assured the President that Jordanian assistance would be rendered on an ongoing basis till such time as it was needed.
On arrival at Aiwan e Sadr, President Musharraf welcomed the visiting leader, the one-on-one meeting between the two leaders continued for half an hour. After Iftar, the two leaders offered Maghrib prayers. Their discussion continued over dinner where Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also joined. The President appreciated the Jordanian Monarch's efforts at projecting the moderate face of Islam within the West by promoting cross-civilizational dialogue. He emphasized that concept of "enlightened moderation" enunciated by him at the 10th OIC Summit had the same purpose. Both leaders agreed that such Initiatives were necessary to avert the threat of an inter-civilisational conflict. Discussions on bilateral issues covered diverse fields of economic and commercial cooperation.
The President emphasized that Pakistan's economic progress in recent years had created an investment-friendly climate within the country, In this context, he suggested that Jordan consider the establishment of a Pakistan-Jordan Joint Investment Company on the lines of similar institutions with other friendly countries. King Abdullah-ll said that relevant Jordanian authorities would look into this and other areas of cooperation. Both leaders agreed that the long-festering issues of Palestine and Kashmir needed to be resolved, They appreciated Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza strip and expressed the hope that this would lead to visible progress towards the implementation of the peace plan culminating in the creation of a viable Palestinian State.
The President explained that Pakistan's initiative towards Israel was aimed at pushing the peace process forward, and stressed that this gesture towards Israel did not imply recognition. The President briefed King Abdullah-ll on Pakistan's efforts to promote regional peace and stability. In this context he mentioned the ongoing composite dialogue with India and support to the Karzai Government in Afghanistan. The Jordanian Monarch commended these efforts which, he said, would contribute to greater stability even outside the Immediate region of South Asia. Earlier, on arrival, the Jordanian King was received by Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri.
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UN Under Secretary General calls on President
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Friday appreciated the prompt and overwhelming response of the international community and the extremely important role the UN organizations in Pakistan were playing in helping the government coordinate relief assistance for the quake-affected people. He was talking to UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, who called on him here. President Musharraf outlined the relief actions of the government and the setting up of the Federal Relief Commission to oversee the required response from the civil and military authorities. A Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Governmental Agency was also being set up. Providing shelter and food with tents and blankets for some two to three million people was the first priority of the government.
The Under Secretary General conveyed the deep condolences of UN Secretary General Kofi Anan and the entire UN system for the earthquake disaster and the terrible damage to life and property which had been occasioned. UN Under Secretary General appreciated the response of the government of Pakistan. He said no government in the world could be prepared for massive disasters, and gave the example of the immense effort which was needed to respond to the calamities of the Tsunami and hurricane Katrina.
He expounded on the UN disaster relief experience. The Under Secretary General stressed that the UN system could play a vital supportive role in search and rescue, providing emergency relief by reaching out to the affectees, particularly in remote areas and in running camps for those without shelter. However, he said, the International Financial Institutions, with their resources could take the supportive lead in relief and reconstruction. Egeland said the need for many more helicopters was vital given the rugged and inaccessible terrain. The UN was doing its part with four helicopters in place, four more expected shortly and with a medium term target of 20 helicopters, he added. Pakistan must seek more helicopters, he added. The President agreed on the need for more helicopters, which he had projected as the first relief priority from the start.
He appreciated that the US had already deployed 8 helicopters and more were on the way. The President also appreciated the helicopters which had been sent by the UN, the Agha Khan Foundation, ICRC, UNAMA, WFP, Germany and Afghanistan. More were on the way from Japan, Canada and Iran. The President and the Under Secretary General discussed modalities for the reconstruction of destroyed and heavily damaged towns, villages and hamlets. The Under Secretary General informed the President that the new UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative, Jan J. Vandermoortele, had been appointed as the overall UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Pakistan.
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President says aid supplies coming, it must reach victims in organized way
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Friday called for enhancing coordination between the Government, the private organizations and foreign agencies to give further impetus to rescue and relief efforts in quake-stricken areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and NWFP. "Relief assistance is flowing into the earthquake-hit areas in large quantities from around the country and abroad as well - the emphasis now must be to provide it to the victims, we must ensure provision of shelter, food and medicines to them through an organized effort," he stated. He was addressing a meeting at the Federal Relief Commission, set up at the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also attended the meeting.
The President said army medical teams are striving to provide on-the-spot treatment to maximum number of quake-hit people now medical aid is being provided to people of the cutoff areas. He appreciated the spirit of the armed forces, volunteers, non-government organizations, and the corporate sector, who have joined the government in the colossal task of providing relief to the victims. The meeting reviewed the pace of relief operations and evaluated various options for rehabilitation of the quake victims and reconstruction of the damaged areas. Federal Relief Commissioner Maj. Gen Farooq Ahmed Khan briefed the participants about the ongoing relief operations and coordination between various provincial units of the Commission. Later, Press Secretary to the President told APP that the Government has not called off rescue efforts and the rescuers are making all possible endeavours to pull out survivors alive.
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UN terms SA quake as mega disaster, calls for coordinated relief
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The United Nations Friday urged the world community to come with more financial assistance, saying billions of dollars would be needed for reconstruction and rehabilitation of an estimated four millions people rendered shelter-less by October 8 earthquake. UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, on a flying visit to Pakistan to have a first-hand knowledge about the quake-disaster described the situation as "disaster beyound belief". Addressing a press conference here, he appreciated the massive relief efforts by Pakistan government and the International community but called for more coordination to achieve optimum results. Egeland said the scale of disaster was similar to that caused by the Dec 26 Tsunami and said it could take upto ten years for rebuilding.
Though the number of those killed was less, but the number of people displaced was much higher and there were thousands who had injuries that could maim them for the rest of their lives, he added. Egeland who met President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz earlier in the day said, the government has directed maximum facilitation to the international relief efforts. These include facilitation of visa for all aid workers, immediate customs free access for relief goods and facilitation for NGOs arriving for the humanitarian relief work. According to official death toll the 7.6 magnitude earthquake has so far killed over 25,000 people, injured 63,000 and rendered over 3.3 million homeless in parts of Kashmir and Pakistan.
The UN official said there was an urgent need to reach out to those people at the remotest locations, without any roof and requiring medical attention. Egeland made an urgent appeal for more helicopters, tents, blankets, food and medicines and called for removing all bottlenecks in delivery of aid. He said the Search and Rescue phase was now turning into saving those who have surivived. By Friday morning over 134 aircrafts carrying relief goods had arrived at a military air base near Islamabad and hundreds were expected in the days to come, he added. The earthquake had caused massive landslides blocking all roads leading to the affected areas in the Himalayan region and the rescue and relief work had to be done by around 50 helicopters, including those donated by the USA, Germany, Japan and other countries.
The UN Coordinator however called for prioritizing the relief work asking "delivery of relief goods to those who have not yet received any...we have to organise our generosity." Hundreds of trucks were travelling bumper to bumper in meandering roads towards the quake affected areas. Jan Egeland said so far the UN has registered US 225 million worth of donations in cash, but asked more from other nations. He hoped by next week the relief operation would grow bigger and better with the arrival of more tents, water purification systems, food and medicine. The United Nations will be here for a long time and would assist Pakistan in setting up a Disaster Management System. Responding to a question, he urged the international community for more funds, saying billios of dollars would be needed for rebuilding and reconstruction. He said the UN's flash pledges of 275 million dollars would have to be revised and added, other donors like the Res Crescent and the Res Cross were also revising their donations.
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Saarc Commerce ministers meeting postponed, Summit still on
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan on Friday announced postponement of the SAARC Commerce Ministers meeting due to the severe earthquake and ensuing destruction, but said it was looking forward to attend the 13th Summit from Nov 12-13 in Dhaka. A statement by the Foreign Office said "the Government of Pakistan was constrained to announce the postponement due to the severe earthquake and destruction caused by it in Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir." It announced postponement of dates of the Fifth SAARC Commerce Ministers meeting and the one of Eleventh Committee of Experts (COE) on SAFTA scheduled from October 18-22, New dates for the meetings will be announced in consultation with the member countries and the SAARC Secretariat. The statement said that despite the difficult situation and widespread devastation in earthquake, Pakistan is committed to keep the SAARC process moving and is looking forward to attend the Thirteenth SAARC Summit from November 12-13 at Dhaka.
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Efforts underway for rescue of quake affectees: Maj Gen Javed Aslam
CHAKLALA AIRBASE, Oct 14 (APP): Commander Army Aviation Maj Gen Javed Aslam Tahir on Friday said all possible efforts are being made for the rescue of affectees in quake-hit areas. Talking to media here at Chaklala Airbase , he said that shifting of injured people from the affected areas is the top most priority of the Pakistan Army. He said Pakistan Army personnel are working 24 hours in the relief and rescue operations. Army Aviation helicopters on Friday carried out rescue and relief operations in several inaccessible areas of quake-stricken cities, he said.
He further said relief items were also dropped in Chakot, Suddan Galli,Saropa Neelam valley and Garhi Doppatta. The relief goods included food items,tents and blankets werem dropped by helicopters. He said relief items are being distributed in Muzaffarabad and surrounding area where the roads are reopened. To a question, he said that soon after the severe earthquake, which caused vast destruction, Pakistan Army had started rescue and relief operations.
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World FMs express solidarity with Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The Foreign Ministers from various regions of the world have sent messages of condolences and expressed sympathy and support to Foreign Minister Kasuri on the tragic earthquake which struck Pakistan on October 8. While expressing their sorrow and grief in this moment of pain for the people and government of Pakistan, the Foreign Ministers assured Foreign Minister Kasuri that their governments remain ready to assist Pakistan in any manner that might be needed.
This included the Foreign Minister of Sultanate of Oman, Yousuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, Sheikh Dr. Muhamad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr.Mladen Invanic, Foreign Minister of Republic of Djibouti, Mr.Mahmood Ali Youssouf, Foreign Minister of South Africa, Dr.Dlamini Zuma, Foreign Minister of Finland, Mr. Erkki Tumioja, Foreign Minister of Thailand, Dr.Kantathi Suphamongkon, Foreign Minister of Lebanon, Mr.Fawzi Salloukh, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Croatia, Mrs. Kolinda Grabar-Kitarvoic, Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand, Mr.Phil Goff, Foreign Minister of Brunei Darussalam, Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Secretary General of League of Arab States, Mr.Amre Moussa and the Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mr.Jaeques Diouf. The Foreign Minister thanked them for their offer of support and assistance.
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Heavy responsibility on public reps after quake: Wasim Shahzad
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister of State for Interior Shahzad Wasim on Friday said there is a heavy responsibility on the elected representatives in the wake of the worst ever natural disaster in the country's history. Speaking in the National Assembly, the minister paid tributes to the nation for standing as one and forgetting their regional identities. "This crisis has united the nation. Nobody is today saying that he is a Balochi or Karachiite," he said. Wasim said it was not true that all the government machinery concentrated its rescue efforts at the collapsed Margallah Towers in Islamabad. He said such an impression was created because the first information of disaster after the earthquake came from these apartment buildings. He said the government machinery immediately reached the towers within 15 minutes of the earthquake.
The army he added was called in after assessing the situation and that prompt action led to saving of 90 lives. He said police, army and civil volunteers took part in the rescue operation at the collapsed building site without caring for their own lives. President Pervez Musharraf, Wasim said, reached the site of Margallah Towers despite warning by the Met Office that strong aftershocks were expected. The minister said there was some delay in sending rescue teams to Azad Kashmir but the government reacted promptly after it got the information about the magnitude of the disaster. "Within 48 hours main roads in Azad Kashmir were opened and whatever resources that were available with the government were mobilized," he said.
He said the wounded are being brought to the local hospitals by road and helicopters and some buildings have been hired to cater to the "spill over" patients. Wasim reiterated the government's resolve to set up model towns and cities at places where at present there are heaps of debris. Participating in the debate, Minister for Law and Justice, Wasi Zafar informed the House that he had personally visited earthquake affected areas. He said the local administration could not react swiftly because the families of government officials were also affected badly. The Minister said now the situation has changed and government, private organizations, philanthropists and volunteers have reached there to assist the victims.
There is no shortage of food and medicines while communication networks and electricity has been restored in the quake-stricken areas, he added. He said even small villages are being supplied food and medicines by the rescue teams. About rehabilitation efforts, he said the government and people are working day and night to support their brethren in this hour of need. Appreciating the role of the opposition, he said the opposition members are also taking part in the relief activities. He said there is a need to lift the morale of the people who are depressed and dejected over the loss of lives and property. Briefing the House about rescue and relief efforts, Health Minister Muhammad Nasir Khan said that operations of more than 2,300 seriously injured people were carried out at Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS).
These patients having head and spinal injuries were brought from Muzaffarabad and Bagh districts while injured persons of Balakot were being shifted to field hospitals in Mansehra and Abbottabad, he added. The Minister informed that 21 medical teams and 29 surgical teams and a team of 250 doctors are providing medical cover to the affected people. Nasir Khan said six field hospitals manned and equipped by different foreign teams are filling gaps where district hospitals were destroyed. The French, Italian, Belgian, ICRC, Saudi Arabia and Spanish Teams are working in Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Balakot and Bagh respectively.
He said the Czechoslovakian and Hungarian teams equipped with modern field hospitals have also arrived. The Minister said immunization campaign has been launched against measles and tetanus in the affected areas. For vector control and management of dead bodies, he said, four fogging and spraying teams have been deployed in districts of NWFP and two teams to AJK, he added. The Minister said 10 mobilizing teams with 20 psychologists and psychiatrists will operate in affected areas of AJK and NWFP. The Minister said an estimated 2.5 million out of 3.5 million people have been displaced in quake stricken area. The devastation caused by earthquake is much bigger than Tsunami and Katrina typhoon. Earlier the members called for crisis management by the government and questioned the performance of the Crisis Management Cell. "The Crisis Management Cell was supposed to deal with natural disasters like earthquake and storms. It should be grilled by a committee of the house set up to probe its performance," Kunwar Khalid Younus from MQM said.
He said the government should open up its borders to aid from all countries of the world as no nation today can survive in isolation. The member said during his visit to Abbottabad, he found Ayub Medical College in a very dilapidated condition due to earthquake. He said the natural calamity has wiped out a generation of 10 to 15 thousand children between the age of two and three years. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf of PPPP urged the members of the cabinet to stay in the worst affected areas to know their problems. He said a proper channel of distribution of relief goods was missing and praised the electronic media for highlighting the miseries of quake-stricken people. Imran Khan of PTI said the crisis management is lacking in view of the colossal damage by the earthquake and added that help did not reach the worst hit areas.
He called for better coordination among the local government, civil administration and the army to carry out rescue efforts and despatching of relief goods to the deserving people. The government, he added, should give a rehabilitation plan of the destroyed areas of Muzaffarabad, Balakot and other worst affected areas. Deputy Speaker Sardar Muhammad Yaqub said Abbottabad area to which he belongs is one of the worst hit by the earthquake. He said 16 out of the 51 Union Councils of Abbottabad have suffered colossal damages and bulk supply of water was desperately needed. He said the tubewell of Ayub Medical College has also been destroyed in the earthquake and there is severe water shortage for the wounded and the staff. "We don't need bottled water. The problem there can only be addressed through bulk supply of water," he added.
He said in steep hilly areas, where helicopters cannot land, the government should send troops on foot to help in relief activities. Murtaza Satti also called for crisis management and supply of relief goods to far off areas. Parliamentary Leader of Pakistan Muslim League (N), Ch. Nisar Ali Khan said as winter season is approaching, people of quake affected areas urgently require tents and blankets. Presently, enough food is provided in these areas, therefore provision of tents and blankets would help ease their sufferings. Taking part in the debate, Sher Akbar Khan expressed his grief and sorrow over the loss of thousands of precious human lives. He appreciated the solidarity showed by the nation and the immediate financial and logistic support of international community to meet this crisis. Sher Akbar Khan asked the government to make arrangements for early rehabilitation of quake affectees of district Buner. Tehmina Daultana and Abdul Gafoor Haidari also took part in the debate and expressed sympathies with the grieved families.
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Free electricity to quake affected areas for three months: NA told
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister for Water and Power Liaqat Jatoi Friday said the government will provide free of cost electricity to the earthquake affected areas for three months. Speaking in the National Assembly, he said the payment of electricity bill for the month of September has also been deferred till the complete rehabilitation of affected people. The Minister said the devastated earthquake had badly affected the electricity network in the areas. The entire system was collapsed owing to destruction of infrastructure following the unprecedented earthquake in AJK and Hazara Division, he added. Liaqat Jatoi informed the House that rehabilitation efforts were started and with utmost efforts of the WAPDA employees, the electricity has been restored to several areas including Abbottabad, Balakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, Rawalakot and Hajeera.
He said the electricity supply to Neelam Jhelum Valley and Thakot will soon be restored. The Minister said the earthquake in AJK and Hazara Division was fifth biggest disaster in the history adding, it was more devastating than the Tsunami. Appreciating the Opposition, he said they have set an example of national unity and solidarity. He also thanked all those countries which assisted the country in present difficult time. He proposed to adopt a unanimous resolution in recognition of assistance provided by these countries.
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NA passes unanimous resolution for NA Relief Fund
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The National Assembly on Friday passed a unanimous resolution to set up a relief fund in which the members will donate their one month's salaries for the earthquake relief efforts. The resolution which was moved by Kashmala Tariq, also called for mobilizing volunteers to help in the rescue efforts and collect donations for the victims. It also called for setting up a joint committee of the house comprising treasury and opposition members, which will visit the quake-hit areas and monitor the rescue and relief efforts.
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Japan announces $ 20 million aid for quake-victims: Sherpao
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Japan has announced $ 20 million aid for quake-victims in Pakistan, the Interior Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said Friday. Japan's Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Shuzen Tanigawa and Japan ambassador to Pakistan Tanake called upon Sherpao in his office Friday and said that the 40 percent of the total aid would be released immediately, while the remaining is to be given after bilateral talks. Shuzen Tanigawa told Sherpao that 26 members rescue team was already working in quake-hit areas, while an other 100 member rescue team would reach Friday. Sherpao expressed his gratitude to Japanese government for providing aid to Pakistan in difficult hour and condoled death of 3 Japanese in collapse of Margalla Tower in Islamabad.
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King Abdullah-II of Jordon arrives
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived here this evening for a brief visit, as part of his tour of some Islamic countries in Asia, including Malaysia and Indonesia. He was received at the Chaklala Air Base by Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri and Minister of State Khusro Bakhtiar and ambassadors of Muslim states. He was presented a guard of honour by a contingent of Pakistan Air Force. The King will hold talks with the President on wide-ranging issues of mutual interest. The President will brief the Jordanian Monarch on the devastation caused by the recent earthquake in Pakistan.
The King will leave for Amman the same night. Pakistan and Jordan enjoy close and cordial relations marked by religious affinity and commonality of views on important issues. The late King Hussain visited Pakistan in March 1988 while the President visited Amman in 2001. Jordan was among the few countries to have immediately responded to the President's appeal to the international community for relief assistance. It sent two plane loads of relief goods on October 10, and subsequently a mobile hospital personally escorted and supervised by Prince Rashid bin Al-Hasan, the son of Prince Hasan Bin Talal and Princes Sarvath. The 25-bed field hospital manned by a support staff of over 50, including 11 doctors, has been deployed in Rawalakot.
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Nation stands united to help earthquake victims: Anisa
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli said Friday, the whole nation stands united to help mitigate the sufferings of recent earthquake victims. "We have to face this catastrophic situation as a strong nation with determination and courage", she said while talking to media persons here at the Chief Commissioner Office. The District Administration Islamabad on Friday dispatched another eight truck-loads of relief goods including edibles and medicines to quake hit areas in District Mansehra of NWFP. The relief goods being dispatched by the district administration were contributed by local businessmen and general public. Senators Pari Gul Agha, Nighat Agha and Gulshan Saeed were also present on the occasion.
They have also brought a number of truck-loads of food, clothing, bedding and medicines for the quake-hit areas. Anisa Zeb said, the people are generously offering aids for the quake stricken areas. To a question, the Minister of State said, the government has taken serious note of some looting incidents in earthquake hit areas, adding, appropriate measures are being taken to check such happenings. She, however, also urged the people of affected areas to help the relief workers in judicious distribution of relief goods among the needy and identify and stop such people, who are engaged in inhuman activities of looting the relief goods. The Minister of State also urged the businessmen, particularly those dealing in the goods and articles required for relief, to refrain from profiteering, as it was the duty of all to help the people hit by the devastating earthquake. Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Khalid Pervez informed the newsmen that district administration has so far sent 35 trucks loaded with essential items like tents, blankets, rice, sugar, water, pulses, oil, ghee, candles, match boxes, cloths etc. to the quake hit areas during the last few days.
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UN Under Secretary General calls on PM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Jan Egeland, UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator called on Prime minister Shaukat Aziz Friday and discussed the ongoing massive relief operation in the quake-hit areas. He also discussed the role of UN agencies in reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. The Prime Minister said that it was a tragedy of mammoth proportions and the government has mobilized its entire machinery including two divisions of the armed forces for providing relief to the victims. They discussed details of several short term and long term measures being contemplated for rehabilitation of the affected people.
Prime Minister Aziz told the UN envoy that despite the serious nature of the calamity, the moral of the people was still high and they were facing the situation with remarkable courage and fortitude. The Prime minister said that the government has already constituted a committee to asses the extent of damage caused by the earthquake to housing and infrastructure in the country. The Prime Minister also informed that opening of roads and communication links was the immediate priority of the government with a view to facilitating the relief operations.
"Not only the government departments and agencies are taking part in the releif efforts but also the NGOs and volunteers", he added. He also appreciated the role of international community and the UN which have responded to the call for providing relief in a swift manner and hoped that the situation would improve gradually. The UN Relief Coordinator said "we have agreed to coordinate national relief effort with international relief effort". He stressed the need for carrying out the whole operation in an organized and well coordinated manner.
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Pakistan appreciates Russian assistance for earthquake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan has appreciated the Russian assistance for the earthquake victims. Pakistan's Ambassador in Russian Federation, Mustafa Kamal Kazi while talking to a Russian radio channel apprised the listeners of the profound devastation in the calamity-hit, areas. The Ambassador said, the focus of government's relief efforts is to provide immediate assistance in the form of medical aid, food supplies, clothing and shelter. He said Russian rescue team was second to reach on the spot and start relief work in Muzafarabad. The Ambassador said Pakistan received substantial quantity of relief supplies in form of tents, blankets and food from the Russian Federation.
A Russian medical team comprising doctors and para-medical staff has also reached Muzafarabad and set up a field hospital. He also expressed profound gratitude to President Vladimir Putin for sending message of consolation and sympathy on occasion of this tragedy. The Ambassador further said, the next phase would be to rehabilitate the affected population and reconstruct the damaged infrastructure including construction of offices, hospitals, schools buildings and communication networks which can be shared by Russia.
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Pak Army shift 702 patients to twin cities' hospitals during last 15 hours
CHAKLALA AIRBASE Oct 14 (APP): Pakistan Army has shifted 702 wounded persons from the quake-hit areas to the hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad during the last 15 hours. Total 44 helicopters participated in operation and shifted patients from quake-hit areas. Two more US Navy's helicopters MH53 also participated in operation. Other helicopter participated in shifting the patients include MI-17,--Chinook, Black Hawk, CH53 (Germany), Pakistan Navy's Sea King, C-13, Bell 412 and Puma. Similarly, 70 truck loaded with relief goods were airlifted in 45 helicopters from Chaklala Airbase for distribution among needy people of affected areas. Meanwhile, an additional 50 bed hospital has been established by the Army in Muzaffarabad to provide medical treatment to the injured of Quake-affectees. Over 4500 injured of quake-hit areas have been shifted to Combined Military Hospitals Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Jhelum, Kharrian and Gujranwala in army helicopters during last five days.
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Relief, rescue operation continues at mass level in quake affected areas
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Relief and rescue operation in the quake affected areas of the country continued on Friday at a mass level with the major thrust to reach out those areas which had been inaccessible so far. More than two Divisions of Pakistan Army which moved into the quake hit areas have been engaged in mass level relief and rescue operations in Muzaffarbad, Bagh, Rawlakot and Balakot. The troops with are undertaking multifarious additional tasks like coordinating relief efforts of foreign teams and NGOs and volunteers who have come from all over the country to help the needy, assisting local administration in maintenance of law and order, burial of dead, mobilise local population through civil administration and retired local military personnel, liaison with the medical camps and transportation of relief goods to forward areas through mechanised and animal transport. Mini Forward Bases have been established by the troops to reach inaccessible areas where they could not reach in the first five days.
A considerable success has been achieved to reach these inaccessible areas by road or by helicopters. During the last twenty four hours, 82 sorties were flown to places where rescue and relief operations could not be carried out in first three days. Relief and Rescue operations were carried out in Sortir, Lamina, Saropa, Chakoti, Gari Dupatta, Pir Chinari, Billgra, Sarwan, Pandu, Hatian Balla, Ghori, Dhani, Ging, Pangkot, Patika and Nowseri and Neelum and Jhelum valleys and Paris, Kakiwar, Jareed and Allanpur. All the areas were inaccessible earlier, but the daring troops of Pakistan army have made them accessible for providing relief and rescue to the quake devastated areas.
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President, PM observe Yuam-e-Dua, offer Juma prayer
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz offered Juma prayer together in PM Secretariat and observed Yuam-e-Dua for earthquake victims. The President and Prime Minister attended the briefing of Federal Relief Commission established in PM Secretariat to overall monitor and carry out the relief activities. During the break, the President, Prime Minister and other participants of the meeting offered Juma prayer in the Secretariat. Later they participated in special Dua offered for the victims of October 8, earthquake. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant patience and courage to the survivors, and save the nation from future calamities.
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PM, President review efforts to step up relief operation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in a meeting on Friday reviewed efforts to step up on going relief and rescue operations in the quake hit areas. Both the leaders stressed that the relief operation should be conducted in a coordinated way aimed at ensuring maximum support in the shortest possible time. They were unanimous that the unprecedented spirit of solidarity shown by the nation would prove an asset at the time of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
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PM lauds UN role in relief operations
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday deeply appreciated the invaluable role of the UN system, which has always been Pakistan's development partner, for its prompt and effective response to the overwhelming challenge of the disaster suffered by Pakistan from the earthquake. The Prime Minister was talking to UN Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Jan Egeland who called on him Friday afternoon. It was also particularly appreciated that a UN disaster assessment team arrived within 24 hours of the catastrophe. This enabled the UN to launch its $ 271 million Flash Appeal to meet the immediate life saving needs of the affected people and areas. The Prime Minister said, Pakistan was expending all its energies and resources, through the Government and the people of Pakistan to meet the challenge, for which international assistance was also required, not only for the rescue phase, which was almost over, and the succeeding phases of relief followed by rehabilitation and reconstruction.
"The Government was determined to streamline all procedures to facilitate relief assistance from abroad," he said. The Under Secretary General assured the Prime Minister that in Pakistan's hour of need the UN system would not be found wanting. The magnitude of the disaster was perhaps more than that suffered under the Tsunami which devastated many of the littoral States of the Indian Ocean. The UN system had set up a system of clusters dealing with the main sectoral issues which had to be addressed to meet the challenges now faced by Pakistan, including the fields of health and shelter, etc.
The UN system has already developed a good working relationship with the Government machinery for dealing together with the task at hand. In the days to come, he said, they would also concentrate on developing closer coordination with all the Government relief Departments and organizations, including with the Military which was coordinating the major part of the relief effort at the rear base area of Rawalpindi/Islamabad and the affected areas in NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister recommended that the Under Secretary General should meet before his departure Major General Farooq Ahmed Khan, the newly appointed Federal Relief Commissioner who would be coordinating all relief actions by the civil and military authorities.
He agreed that the UN system in Islamabad should help coordinate the activities of the international NGOs in Pakistan and those who were now coming in large numbers with the noble desire to help the people in the affected areas. The Under Secretary said, they had an important role to play and it was necessary that their activities should also be guided in a manner in which the best use could be made of their humanitarian idealism and enthusiasm to assist. The Under Secretary General assured that the UN would offer all assistance in this regard to the Government and the NGOs. The Prime Minister concluded by appreciating the central role being played by Under Secretary General Jan Egeland in the UN's disaster relief response, for which he had broken away from his tour of the Tsunami affected region. All assistance would be given to his team, and the Prime Minister looked forward to his next visit.
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PM, King Abdullah of Jordan discuss bilateral ties
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and King Abdullah II of Jordan Friday discussed ways and means to further promoting bilateral relations between the two countries in diplomatic, political and economic fields. The Prime Minister appreciated Jordan's support for the quake-hit victims as King Abdullah assured all assistance to Pakistan in this hour of need. The King was here on a brief visit during which he held wide-ranging talks on a number of bilateral and regional issues with President Pervez Musharraf and assured his country's continued relief assistance in the wake of last week's devastating earthquake.
The Prime Minister recalled the close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Jordan characterized by religious affinity and commonality of views on important issues. Jordan was among the few countries which immediately responded to Pakistan's appeal for the international assistance to the earthquake-hit areas. Jordan has sent two plane loads of relief goods and more assistance from the country was on the way. Earlier in the day, Prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan of Jordan also called on the Prime Minister to discuss relief efforts. Prince Rashid, the son of Prince Hasan Bin Talal and Princess Sarvath, personally escorted a mobile hospital on October 10. He supervised the entire process of setting up the 25-bed hospital in Rawalakot, which is manned by a support staff of over 50, including 11 doctors.
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Sh. Rashid visits quake devastated areas
MUZAFFARABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, on Friday visited different areas here to review the activities underway to provide relief to the quake-affected people. The minister had visited the devastated areas following the directives of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The minister reviewed the medical facilities being provided by the Army Field Hospitals and other Social Welfare Organizations at Neelum Stadium Muzaffarabad. Sheikh Rashid Ahmed was told that more than 6,000 patients were provided medical treatment including the surgical operations of various nature at the Neelum Stadium medical camp. The minister inquired about the health of patients, assured them for their complete rehabilitation and said that the whole nation was with them at this tragic moment. He appreciated the role of Army and other social organizations for providing help to the earthquake-victims and said that their role would be acknowledged for ever in the national history.
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PM receives Rs. 93.1 million donation on Friday
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): Public and Private sector are generously contributing towards President's relief fund for earthquake victims and on Friday alone Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received Rs. 93.1 million in donation. The following public private sector organisation presented cheques to the Prime Minister today for the relief of the earthquake affected people towards the President's Disaster Relief Fund. Hyundai Motor Co US $ 300,000/- , Kia Motors US $ 100,000/-, NESPAK Rs 1.5 million, PPIB Rs 1 lac, KESC Rs. 20 lac (2-million), NPCC Rs 2.5 million, WAPDA Rs 13.5 million, SECP Rs. 10 million, Pak-Libya Holdings Rs. 10 million, Lakhra Coal Rs. 26,000/- only, Asia Petroleum Rs. 1 million, Overseas oil trading Rs 5 lac, BP Pak exploration Rs 12 million, Occidental Rs. 12 million and Orient Petroleum Rs. 4 million.
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Lahore Air Base to be opened for handling relief aircrafts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 14 (APP): The government has decided to open up another Air Base in Lahore for handling relief aircraft as the ongoing relief activity has saturated the available ground and airspace of Islamabad Airport/PAF Base Chaklala. To ameliorate the situation, aircraft coming in with relief goods alone, will be shared between Islamabad and Lahore, and subsequently the Air Base in Peshawar for off loading. The aircraft bringing in medical teams, their equipment and other machinery and equipment, will be given preference for off load at Islamabad. It has also decided that no overnight parking will be provided to visiting aircraft at Islamabad till further notice.
The aircraft requesting for a night stop will be dispatched to Lahore as an alternative and depending upon the parking space available at Islamabad, the relief aircraft will be diverted to Peshawar and Lahore. The government has requested Embassies, UN and other aid agencies to formulate their requests for aircraft clearance accordingly to expedite response, and also for advance provision of making arrangements to off load and then transport up country relief supplies. Donor countries, the UN Agencies and other aid and relief agencies and organizations have been requested to explore matching their air lift capabilities with supplies of tents and blankets in third countries, which in some cases are already in national and aid agencies stockpiles.
For instance in an OCHA Aid meeting in Geneva this afternoon, UNHCR outlined some of its available tents and blankets resources in third countries. Donor countries and relief and aid agencies may wish to further explore the possibility of synergy to expedite relief response. To speed up the off loading of relief supplies, to enable a quicker turn around of relief planes, freeing airport berths for more relief flights, 7 and 3 tons or other in between capacity fork lifts, and also a smaller number of Belt Loaders would be of great utility.
Islamabad Airport/PAF Base Chaklala are handling on the average 24-30 aircrafts daily, which are bringing in medical teams, field hospitals, machinery and relief goods to support the national effort for earthquake relief. From Chaklala, these teams, equipment and goods are transported by helicopters and trucks for distribution to the affected populace and areas. The Air Base is also handling the majority of relief helicopters flights which are transporting medical teams and relief goods, and bringing back patients for medical treatment. Spam detection software, running on the system "smtp.dsl.net.pk", hasidentified this incoming email as possible spam. The original messagehas been attached to this so you can view it (if it isn't spam) or labelsimilar future email. If you have any questions, see postmaster@dsl.net.pk for details.
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