International aid continue to pour into to quake-hit Pakistan
Cabinet sets up committees to supervise relief operation
PM directs Govt. departments to coordinate relief efforts
Five camps set up at major localities to coordinate relief efforts: PM
President appeals to traders, business community to donate generously to President's Relief Fund
President, PM appeal the nation to offer special prayers on Friday
NA expresses solidarity with earthquake victims
Foreign rescuers deployed in different quake-hit parts: Shaukat Sultan
Diplomats briefed about disaster, relief measures and requirements
President summons National Security Council meeting
Pakistani community in Bahrain pledge support for earthquake victims
Saudi King calls President, assures cooperation and assistance for earthquake victims
World leaders send messages to Pakistan on devastation caused by earthquake
President visits MH, CMH and PIMS to see injured
Shaukat Aziz asks volunteers to help quake victims
Govt. sets up Federal relief Commission
PAF undertakes large scale relief operations
World Foreign Ministers offer condolences
Relief, rescue gain momentum after road reopening: Shaukat Sultan
Iranian leader calls President Musharraf to express solidarity in face of earthquake tragedy
Sherpao expresses satisfaction over relief activities
International aid continue to pour into to quake-hit Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Pakistan Monday appreciated an overwhelming response by the international community to its request for emergency assistance to cope with the situation in the aftermath of the weekend destructive earthquake. Foreign Office spokes-person Tasnim Aslam told newsmen in Islamabad that many countries were sending helicopters, rescue teams, sniffer dogs, specialized equipment, foodstuff and medicines. Earthquake experts, equipped with hi-tech instruments and sniffer dogs, from Germany, the U.K., France, Turkey, Jordan, China, Japan, Spain, Russia, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia started arriving Pakistan late Sunday and many of them had already been dispatched to the affected areas.
Some eight American Chinook helicopters based in neighbouring Afghanistan were scheduled to reach Pakistan later in the day to reinforce rescue operations, she added. The United Kingdom was the first to dispatch a 15-member team that was helping the local relief workers at Margalla Towers in Islamabad. It has sent another team of 88, which has been divided into different teams and being sent to Muzaffarabad for rescue and relief operation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) have sent two special flights carrying 70 member rescue team and two sniffer dogs, which have been earmarked for Mansehra. A 25-member French that arrived on Sunday with necessary earthquake related equipment left for Rawalakot this morning for relief work.
Turkey has despatched 100-member rescue team with equipment that has already left for Muzaffarabad while two C-130s carrying relief goods from Jordan are expected to arrive in Islamabad shortly, she added. A 50-member Chinese rescue team has been sent to Balakot. The country has also pledged financial assistance worth 6.2 million dollars, five tonnes of aids goods and six sniffer dogs for help in relief operations. The spokeswoman told newsmen that two Japanese rescue teams arrived in Lahore on Sunday and were on their way to Batagram.
A 26-member Spainish team with six sniffer dogs has been sent to Bagh through helicopter for carrying rescue work there. Russian Government has sent 43 specialists, special vehicles and sniffer dogs which were being sent to the AJK capital. The spoke-person said Russia is sending another special flight with relief goods and rescue team that is scheduled to reach Islamabad today. It will be sent to Muzaffarabad. Besides pledging financial assistance, and Chinook helicopters, the U.S. has also sent five thousand blankets, 250 rolls of plastic sheets and five thousand Jerry Canes which have been handed over to the Cabinet Division for onward distribution. Two rescue teams were also expected from the United States on Monday. Saudi Arabia has announced two flights with relief goods.
One of them has already arrived and the other is expected shortly. She said Germany has sent a special flight carrying relief goods and 15-member search and rescue team, which was being sent to Muzaffarabad. A special flight carrying 13-member rescue team, oil, rice and blankets has arrived from Iran and sent to Mansehra. Belgium is sending a five member rescue team and relief goods for the quake-affected people. Ms. Tasnim Aslam said more flights are expected to arrive Islamabad from Germany, Jordan, United States and Russian Federation carrying relief goods and rescue teams. She said several countries have also made pledges of financial assistance. These include 6.2 million dollars by China, 3.6 million Euros by the European Union, one million Euros by Ireland, 250,000 Euros by Belgium, one hundred thousand dollars by the United States, and fifty thousand dollars by UK.
Several world leaders including US President George Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have spoken by telephone to the President and Prime Minister and assured all possible cooperation in overcoming the difficult situation. The Foreign office is also arranging a briefing for Islamabad-based diplomats to update them about the latest situation and Pakistan's relief requirements. She said Pakistani missions abroad have been directed to mobilize assistance from host governments and Pakistani community abroad. The spokes-person said Foreign Office is in touch with diplomatic missions in Islamabad and so far there is no report of any diplomat missing.
She said some foreign nationals have died in earthquake including a Chinese worker in Kohistan and an Egyptian in Islamabad. To a question she said Pakistan is grateful to India for offering assistance. Pakistan has also offered assistance to India in overcoming the situation in the Occupied Kashmir which has also hit by the quake. She, however, ruled out possibility of any joint relief operation on the Line of Control. The spokes-person told a questioner that no formal offer of assistance has been received from Israel. Asked to comment on a statement of Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman about Kashmir, the spokeswoman said Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory. "It is also recognized to be a dispute by the UN Security Council resolutions and the entire community also considers it as a dispute," she said and added Kashmir was key agenda item of the composite dialogue process between Pakistan and India.
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Cabinet sets up committees to supervise relief operation
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Federal cabinet Monday in its special session held here decided to constitute four committees to supervise the relief, rescue and rehabilitation work of the government being carried out for the earthquake affectees in different parts of the country including Azad Kashmir. The special cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz reviewed the progress of rescue and relief operations being undertaken by the government, international and private agencies in the earthquake affected areas. The Cabinet decided to set up four Cabinet Committees to supervise relief, rescue and rehabilitation of the quake affectees.
The Foreign Aid Committee will consist Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Adviser for Finance and Minister of State for Economic Affairs. The Local Resources Mobilization Committee will consist Minister for Privatization, Minister for Commerce and Minister of State for Finance, the Committee for AJK will consist of Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Minister for Law and Minister for Population Welfare; and Committee for NWFP will include Minister for Industries, Minister for Tourism and Minister of State for Railways. The Committees on AJK and NWFP will set up their Camp Offices at Mansehra and Muzaffarabad to supervise the relief operation on the spot aimed at ensuring that relief goods reach the affectees speedily.
The Cabinet expressed its satisfaction over restoration of road links between Muzaffarabad and rest of the country and Balakot that will immensely facilitate the rescue and relief operations which were difficult to carry out in view of road blocks and landslides in the area. Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao informed the cabinet that so far the latest causalities figure is 20,745 in the earthquake. He also gave update to the cabinet about relief operations and the international assistance which has come from the international community for the earthquake victims.
The Interior Minister also apprised the cabinet that teams from UK, Spain, France, Japan, Russia, UAE and Iran are already engaged in relief and rescue operations at Muzaffarabad, Mansehra, Balakot, Batgram, and doing a good job. The Minister also said five US Chinook and three other helicopters from the US government will be available today and will help accelerate the rescue and relief operations in the areas. Two German helicopters are already in Pakistan which are under the use of German rescue team consisting 60 contingents.
The cabinet directed the Ministry of Health to create more facilities to accommodate the injured being flown to the capital for treatment. The federal cabinet decided to hand over Hajj Complex, hostel facilities of Sports Complex and hostel of Ministry of Special Education including CDA Hospital to be used for treatment of those injured in the earthquake. The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Health to make immediate arrangements for spray to save the areas from the spread of diseases. The Health Minister informed the Cabinet that Ministry was in contact with World Health Organization WHO to get vaccines administered among the people of the earthquake regions.
Shaukat Aziz also directed Sindh Government and PIA authorities to facilitate the relatives of victims who intend to travel to Islamabad in order to reach the areas in search of their close relatives. The Minister for Information Technology Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari informed the cabinet that 50 satellite PCOs will be handed over to Special Communication Organization today which will enable the affectees to get in touch with their relatives residing in other parts of the country. The cabinet expressed its deepest condolences over the colossal loss of lives and property and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and that Almighty Allah may grant fortitude and courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.
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PM directs Govt departments to coordinate relief efforts
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday directed all government departments and agencies to coordinate the relief efforts to help rehabilitate the victims of the devastating earthquake. Presiding over the first meeting of the Federal relief Commission at the PM House, he said there was an urgent need to reach out to the people to mitigate their sufferings. He said the relief efforts should be well coordinated and all agencies and departments must work in complete unison. He hoped the situation would improve in the next couple of days with the gradual opening of road links in the calamity hit areas. The Prime Minister also commended the patience and fortitude demonstrated by the people in the affected areas.
Chairman Prime Minister's Inspection Commission (PMIC), Major General Farooq Ahmad Khan has been appointed as the Federal Relief Commissioner. He will coordinate and monitor the relief efforts following the devastation caused by the earthquake and would report directly to the Prime Minister. All departments and agencies concerned with the relief and rehabilitation including the Cabinet Division, Health, Interior, Foreign Affairs, Communication and Information shall function through him and form part of the team. Representatives from the agencies concerned of the armed forces shall also be a part of the team.
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Five camps set up at major localities to coordinate relief efforts: PM
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday said food supply to people in affected areas was improving as five camps have been set up at major localities to coordinate and channelize relief goods. Briefing reporters after his visit to Rawalakot, the Prime Minister said, the world community has so far pledged 100 million dollars, half of it by the United States. "Relief efforts for people struck by the earthquake is continuing and getting strength," he said while adding, the main objective was to get food to the stranded people and evacuate the wounded.
The Prime Minister said Major General Farooq, incharge PM's Inspection Cell, has been appointed the Federal Relief Commissioner to coordinate relief efforts. He will directly report to the Prime Minister. He appreciated the response of the international community and said friendly countries were sending relief goods and experts to help in the relief and rescue efforts. The world community has also pledged 100 million US dollars and local donations were also pouring in, he added. Pakistan Railway is running special trains to ferry relief goods from Karachi to Islamabad from where it would be sent to the affected areas. The Prime Minister said the Pakistan army and other relief agencies were widening their scope and reaching out to people in the remotest areas.
He noted with satisfaction that main road to Muzzaffarabad, the worst-hit area, has been opened that would help expedite transportation of relief goods. Work to reopen other blocked roads was also underway, he added. The Prime Minister said a fleet of 35-helicopters was operating to drop food in the areas, still inaccessible by land routes. He informed the reporters that eight American helicopters including five Chinooks have arrived in Pakistan and would start operating from Tuesday. This, he added, would give boost to efforts to access areas not yet reached. He said a lot many villages were now being accessed as the logistics got better.
Special teams from abroad have also arrived in efforts to rescue people still buried under the debris. Of these teams, UK and UAE experts were working in Islamabad to rescue people trapped under the rubble of the Margallah towers while rest of them have been sent to NWFP and Azad Kashmir, he added. He said Pakistan has appealed to the world for relief assistance and urgently needed financial assistance, tents, blankets, medicines and equipment to clear the roads. Many world leaders including Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, Lebanese Prime Minister, Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan, Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal, also spoke with the Prime Minister by telephone and assured him of full support and assistance.
The Prime Minister said as hospitals and clinics were also destroyed in the earthquake, fields hospitals have been set up on major points to ensure immediate treatment to the wounded. While those needing extensive surgery would be flown to hospitals in cities, he added. He said regular cabinet meeting were being held to assess the situation on day-to-day basis while two to three federal ministers would be based in affected areas to supervise the relief efforts and provide first-hand information to the government. Four committees have also been set up to oversee contributions made for the affected people. These committees would be headed by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri, Privatization Minister Dr. Hafeez Shaikh, Dr. Suleman Shah and Minister of State for Labour and Overseas Pakistanis, Senator Tariq Azeem.
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President appeals to traders, business community to donate generously to President's Relief Fund
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Monday appealed to the traders and business community to come forward with generous donations to President's Relief Fund for recovery and rehabilitation of the earthquake-hit people in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and NWFP. He observed that people from across the country are contributing to the President's Relief Fund and reiterated his assurance that the donations received would be spent transparently to provide relief to the quake victims. "Allah Almighty has blessed the business community with great wealth, my appeal to them is to contribute to the Fund as ultimately this money would also be used on massive rehabilitation work to be undertaken after immediate rescue and relief operations," he told newsmen during a visit to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The President said large helicopters from the United States have arrived, which would be greatly helpful in transporting relief goods to the inaccessible areas in required quantities. He said the Government has mobilized all resources to provide prompt medical treatment to the people through army's medical units. He said the Government moved rapidly to begin rescue and recovery efforts in the aftermath of Saturday morning's earthquake of such huge magnitude. "We are confident that we will be able to meet the challenge," he stated. He said medical teams having surgeons and specialists have been dispatched to provide on-the-spot treatment to the people marooned in the worst-hit mountainous regions. President Musharraf said the Government has assigned top priority to pulling the people out of rubble of devastated buildings and evacuate them for immediate medical treatment. Immediate food supplies and provision of medicine are other priorities while blankets and tents are also on way to shelter the homeless, he added.
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President, PM appeal the nation to offer special prayers on Friday
RAWALPINDI, Oct 10 (APP) : President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have appealed to the nation to offer special prayers on Friday next for speedy relief, recovery and rehabilitation of their earthquake-stricken countrymen. They made this appeal during a meeting Monday that decided to set up a federal relief commission for coordinated efforts in the unprecedented largescale rescue and relief operations, launched in the wake of Pakistan's worst earthquake that has claimed several thousand lives and caused destruction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Hazara division of NWFP.
The President and the Prime Minister also asked the people to pray for the departed souls and grant of courage and fortitude for the bereaved families to overcome the huge tragedy. Meanwhile, responding urgently to the call of President Musharraf, people from cross-section of the society have come out with generous donations in kind and cash. Philanthropists and well-off people are contributing to President's Relief Fund for earthquake victims. Civil society organizations, volunteers and young men have been collecting assistance in the form of food, medicine and tents to transport to the devastated areas in Azad Kashmir and NWFP.
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NA expresses solidarity with earthquake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): The government and the opposition in the National Assembly on Monday expressed solidarity with the victims of the earthquake and vowed to work together, above party affiliations, to provide them succour and relief. The normal business of the house was suspended to offer the condolences of the house with those who died in the tragedy and pray for the recovery of the injured. Sher Afgan Niazi speaking on behalf of the government said thousands of people have lost their lives in the earthquake and billions of rupees worth property lost or damaged. "The loss could be even more as there are places where rescue teams have yet to approach," he said.
"The president and the prime minister have deployed all the available resources to provide help to the victims. The cabinet is holding meetings daily to try and find best ways to handle the crisis." The government, he added, will try and provide all practical help and relief to the earthquake-hit areas and referred to the Rs. 5 billion initial aid announced for the purpose. He said the Pakistani nation is with their brethren during these testing times and was ready to extend all possible help, within an individual's reach, to the victims. Leader of the opposition Maulana Fazalur Rehman said plight of the areas of AJK and NWFP, which bore the major force of the earthquake, has left everyone in shock and tears.
"The feelings of the whole house are unanimous. We express our solidarity with them. We will do whatever we can and appeal the nation to help those who are in distress," he added. "Thousands of them are buried under rubble and injured. They can't even spend the night in the open as it is cold and windy out there." "One should imagine if this had happened to him then how would he feel. This is a test from Allah Almighty. We have to do some soul searching and seek forgiveness for our sins." "We have to search for the reasons that why Allah became angry with us. We have to correct our deeds. When He sees that His men are helping each others He will also shower His blessings on us," Fazalur Rehman added. He called upon the government to provide protection to the convoys carrying food in the far off areas of NWFP.
"People snatch food from these trucks and it does not reach far flung areas," he said. He said air dropping food supplies result in wastage as people scurry to catch it. "It would be best if the government first deploys army on ground so that the system of air dropping food stuff can be streamlined and it is not wasted," he suggested. He said despite the fact that the NWFP government has taken relief measures in the far off areas, the federal government too should make its arrangements. Fazalur Rehman appealed the philanthropists and charity organizations to provide every possible help to the victims of earthquake. "We would also appeal the international community to help these people and thank those who have already sent supplies and equipment," he said.
Expressing his sentiments, Parliamentary Party Leader of Pakistan People's Party Parliamentarians (PPPP), Amin Faheem said the entire nation is grieved over this sad incident that has brought about biggest devastation in the history of the country. "We should correct our deeds and seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty", he added. The entire nation is with the earthquake affected people and extending financial and practical help to them, he said. People, he said, are living in miserable conditions and they need blood donation, medicines, blankets and tentage and "we should extend them our all out support."
He said a vast area including government buildings, houses, schools, hospitals was destroyed by this natural calamity. Hundreds of children and other people are still under the debris and waiting for help of rescue teams, he added. He appealed to the nation to be united by setting aside their personal interest and help the government in its campaign for recovery of the people. Welcoming the opening of relief fund by the Speaker National Assembly, he said his party has also established a relief fund and asked the parliamentarians to donate funds generously in it. He informed that parliamentarians of his party would donate one month salary to both the funds.
The Alliance for Restoration of Democracy (ARD) has also opened camps to gather funds and other items, he added. He said the situation in the Federal Capital, Northern Areas and Azad Kashmir is grave and there is a need to mobilize all type of resources to assist the victims. Parliamentary Party Leader of PML (N), Ch. Nisar Ali Khan termed the earthquake as a national disaster and a test for the entire nation. He said a lot of people are still under the rubble and they need medicines and food. The estimates of the destruction is yet to be made. Appreciating role of the media, he said it has played a very important role in this difficult time. Nisar Ali Khan asked the government to take emergency measures to deal with the war like situation.
Time is essence and the help especially medicines and food should reach to the affected people timely, he added. He proposed that instead of providing raw food, cooked meal should be dropped to the affected people. He said all the assistance arriving from foreign countries should be channelise. Expressing his deep shock and grief, Member of National Assembly, Haider Abbas Rizvi said thousands of people including women and children were killed due to the severe earthquake besides a colossal damage to the property in AJK, Islamabad and NWFP. He said this is a national tragedy and the way opposition was expressing solidarity with the government in its efforts for rescue and relief of quake victims is commendable. Haider Abbas Rizvi, an MQM leader also appreciated armed forces, NGOs and other agencies for showing swift response and well coordinated and efficient efforts during the rescue and relief operations in the earthquake affected areas.
He expressed pride and appreciation for the tremendous spirit shown by the citizens and thanked all the countries helping Pakistan in carrying out rescue operation and providing relief goods for the quake affectees. The government, he said is well aware of the situation and is conducting relief operations on war footing. Haider Rizvi said their party workers were also taking part in the relief operation, adding, MQM leader Altaf Hussain has sent a cheque of Rs. 5 million for Prime Minister Relief Fund. "The MQM Ministers have also submitted Rs. 10 million each for the relief Fund and all of us are doing our best to help the brethren in distress," he added. Minister for Labour and Manpower, Ghulam Sarwar Khan said all the concerned agencies had been directed to carry out the rescue and relief operations on emergency basis in the affected areas.
The government has already set-up a special relief fund of Rs. 5 billion, he said and added people are generously donating for the victims. "The government is doing its best and would leave no stone unturned in rehabilitation of earthquake victims in all the affected areas," the Minister said. President and Prime Minister have visited the affected areas and directed the concerned agencies to make all out efforts in rehabilitation of the quake victims. He said besides armed forces, NGOs, volunteers and other concerned agencies had given tremendous response in conducting relief and rescue operations in earthquake hit areas of the country. The Minister said our teams were busy in providing medicines and edible items to the quake struck areas of Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Northern parts of the country.
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Foreign rescuers deployed in different quake-hit parts: Shaukat Sultan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Director General ISPR Major general Shaukat Sultan on Monday said that a number of foreign rescue teams have been been despatched to different quake-hit areas. During a media birefing he said the teams from friendly countries would be carrying out relief and rescue operations. He said a team from France was carrying necessary equipment and a field hospital has been deployed in Rawlakot. Another team from Spain carrying a mobile hospital of 240 beds has been deployed in Bagh.
Teams from Turkey, Germany, and UK carrying mobile hospitals have been despatched to Muzaffarabad. Teams of Rescuers from UAE, Jordan, China, and Japan along with sniffer dogs have been deployed in Balaokot, Mansehra and Batgram. He said that the rescue and relief operations were being carried out at a fast pace. Answering a question, he said efforts were being made to evaluate the devastation with the help of satellite images from the quake-battered parts.
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Diplomats briefed about disaster, relief measures and requirements
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): The Diplomatic Corps based in Islamabad was briefed Monday about the extensive damage caused by the massive earthquake and the relief operations being carried out by the government. The briefing was attended by the envoys and representatives of all the Embassies, International Organizations and the International Financial Institutions. Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs Khusro Bakhtyar and for Economic Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar and Foreign Secretary Riaz M. Khan apprised them of the gravity of the situation, the massive destruction and loss of precious loss lives in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and parts of NWFP.
Khusro Bakhtyar said hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced and the immediate focus was to provide urgent assistance to the affectees in shape of medical aid, essential food supplies, clothing and shelter. Foreign Secretary, Riaz M. Khan gave a comprehensive presentation on the magnitude of the disaster, the currently known loss of life and the number of injured. He said from 50 to 70 % of houses and buildings had collapsed in Abbottabad, Mansehra, Batgram, Muzaffarabad, Rawlakot and Bagh, apart from those in the far flung localities. He said road links had been severely damaged and disrupted which necessitated that major relief assistance only be sent by helicopters which were also being used for ferrying back the injured on their return flights.
He said major infrastructure damage had affected the hospitals, communication facilities and Government offices. The Foreign Secretary said the immediate focus was on providing shelter, food and medical assistance to the earthquake victims, at the earliest possible, particularly as winter was setting in the northern areas. The Foreign Secretary conveyed appreciation of the government and the people of Pakistan for the overwhelming and prompt response and support of the international community, besides the entire UN system, the ICRC, NGOs and the International Financial Institutions. A number of countries had sent search and rescue teams, while more were arriving.
He said the priority was to set up field hospitals and pointed that a number of countries were sending self-contained field hospitals. The Government intended to cluster these foreign field hospitals, along with the national field hospitals, in locations next to already existing medical facilities. He said the immediate relief requirements were; * Shelter - Tents and plastic sheets, blankets, mattresses. * Food Items - Pre-cooked tinned food (Halal), high energy biscuits, survival rations. * Medicines - Antibiotics, typhoid medication, fracture-related kits, first aid kits, surgical instruments, water purification tablets. * Equipment - Electricity generators, water purification kits/small plants, disinfectant sprays.
He said the government had also set up Emergency Coordination Cells in the Prime Minister's Secretariat, Cabinet and Interior Divisions and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which were working round the clock and were closely linked. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Coordination Cell (ECC) headed by Additional Secretary (UN&EC) Tariq Osman Hyder can be contacted for any information or assistance at any time. The Foreign Secretary said the next step of the relief effort would be to rehabilitate the affected population and reconstruct the infrastructure. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar briefed the participants on the long-term reconstruction needs.
She said the government was carrying out a comprehensive assessment which would then be shared with all countries and donor agencies for their information and assistance in working together towards a coordinated and effective response to address the challenge. Khusro Bakhtyar reiterated Pakistan's appreciation of the generous response and relief assistance made available to Pakistan at a short notice by the international community.
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President summons National Security Council meeting
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf Monday summoned meeting of National Security Council on October 12. According to PTV the situating arisen from the large scale devastations of earthquake and pace of relief operation would come under discussion in the meeting. The President and Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir have specially been invited to attend the meeting.
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Pakistani community in Bahrain pledge support for earthquake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Members of Pakistan Community in Bahrain have pledged to raise money to help earthquake victims in Pakistan. They made this pledge after meeting the Pakistan's Ambassador in Bahrain Iftikhar Kazmi during a meeting attended by leading members of Pakistan community, chairpersons of various Pakistan Clubs and Associations, including the Pakistan Women's Association and heads of Habib Bank, United Bank and PIA. They were shocked and grieved over the colossal loss of life and damage to public property, and infrastructure, caused by the massive earthquake on last Saturday morning in several regions of Northern Pakistan.
The Ambassador briefed them about the magnitude of death and destruction caused by the earthquake and also the government's strenuous efforts to providing relief to the affected people. Ambassador Kazmi exhorted the community to generously contributed to the President's Earthquake Relief Fund and actively participate in this campaign for alleviating the sufferings of their brethren in Pakistan. Members of the community pledged to raise as much as ten million Pak. Rupees in the next seven-ten days. More than half of it was raised in the course of the meeting. The participants also undertook to launch a campaign to collecting relief item such as blankets, medicines and tents and tinned food for shipment to Pakistan. A special account entitled "President's Earthquake Relief Fund" has been opened in all branches of the Bahrain-based, Habib Bank Limited and United Bank Limited.
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Saudi King calls President, assures cooperation and assistance for earthquake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Monday called President General Pervez Musharraf and assured full cooperation and assistance to the country in its hour of need. In a telephone call to President Musharraf, King Abdullah said Pakistan is a close friend of Saudi Arabia, with strong religious and historical ties. He reiterated his country's full assistance to Pakistan during the worst natural calamity and to mitigate the sufferings of its brethren.
President Musharraf expressed his gratitude to King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz for his sentiments and his offer for assistance and said the people of Pakistan would greatly appreciate this gesture. The custodian of the two holy mosques King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Sunday ordered establishment of an airbridge with Pakistan to ensure a continual supply of relief goods including ambulances, tents, medicines, clothes and other relief goods.
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World leaders send messages to Pakistan on devastation caused by earthquake
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): World leaders have expressed their sympathies with Pakistan on the devastation caused by the earthquake. Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi in his message addressed to President Pervez Musharraf expressed his heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of many lives caused by the powerful earthquake. In his message, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "On behalf of the government and people of Japan, I would like to extend my sincerest sympathy to your excellency and people of Pakistan."
The Japanese Prime Minister said, "Today, the government of Japan has decided to dispatch a Japan Disaster Relief Team in light of the friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan." He expressed the hope that the sufferings of the affected people will soon be alleviated. The Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi in a similar message addressed to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz expressed condolences on the loss of lives in the earthquake. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also sent similar condolence message to the Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri and prayed that the affected areas would be recovered soon.
Similarly, President of Republic of Korea Roh Moo- hyun, in his condolence message sent to President General Pervez Musharraf expressed deep sense of condolences and said it is with profound sadness that he had leant of the heavy human casualties and disastrous damage caused by the earthquake. Korean President in his message said, "On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Korea, I wish to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to your excellency and through you, to the people of Pakistan, in particular to the victims and bereaved families of the disaster".
He expressed the hope for the quick rescue and rehabilitation from the disaster. Meanwhile, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, Lee Hae-Chan in his message to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that he was shocked and grieved to learn the massive earthquake in Pakistan resulting in heavy human causalities and disastrous. The Korean Prime Minister in his condolence message said, "On behalf of the Korean government and people, I wish to express my sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to your excellency and through you, to the bereaved families of the victims."
He expressed his hope for the quick rescue and prompt rehabilitation of the stricken area. Meanwhile, President of the People's Republic of China Hu Jintao in his condolence message to President General Pervez Musharraf said that China is shocked to learn a severe earthquake occurred in the northern part of Pakistan, which resulted in great casualties and property losses. The Chinese President conveyed sincere sympathies on his own behalf and on behalf of the Chinese government and people with the injured and expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families. In his message Chinese President Hu Jintao said, "I believe that, under the leadership of your excellency and the esteemed Government of Pakistan, the Pakistani people are bound to overcome the difficulty, defeat the disaster and rebuild their homes."
The Premier of the State Council, People's Republic of China, Wen Jiabao, in his message of sympathy to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said he is shocked to learn the sever earthquake occurred in the Northern part of Pakistan which resulted in great casualties and property losses. The Chinese Premier expressed sympathies with Pakistan on his own behalf and on behalf of the Chinese government with government of Pakistan and people of Pakistan. He also expressed sincere sympathy with the bereaved families and deep grief to the victims.
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President visits MH, CMH and PIMS to see injured
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday visited Military Hospital, Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad to enquire about the health of the injured evacuated from different areas of Azad Kashmir. The President enquired about the wellbeing of the injured and encouraged them to be brave in this hour of trial. The President assured them that Government and the Armed Forces were taking all possible measures and moved all their resources to mitigate the sufferings of the earthquake victims.
"This is a colossal damage and could be addressed with concerted efforts by all of us. We are trying to reach the remote areas as well," the President said. The injured evacuated from different areas of Azad Kashmir told the President that after the collapse of all infrastructure only Pakistan Army was able to reach there and rescued them. They said, in this situation Pakistan Army is doing a wonderful job by evacuating the injured from the affected areas and sending them to different hospitals in Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other areas for treatment.
They demanded that more troops should be sent in these areas so that the relief and rescue work can be expedited. They told the President that they still need massive support for relief and rescue work as a large number of people are still stuck up. They also requested President Musharraf to make special arrangement for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the dislocated population.
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Shaukat Aziz asks volunteers to help quake victims
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Monday called upon the volunteers especially the youth all over the country to come forward and supplement the relief and re-habilitation efforts launched by the government in the wake of the massive earthquake. He was addressing the first batch of volunteers comprising qualified doctors, surgeons and paramedics being despatched to the earthquake affected areas of Mansehra for setting up a medical relief camp. The Prime Minister said, "People are in a state of shock and trauma and they need to be counselled in a persuasive manner in order to help them come out of the shock effect."
Shaukat Aziz said those who lost their near and dear ones in the natural calamity must be consoled and looked after properly to mitigate their sufferings. Emphasizing the need to carry out the relief work in an organized and disciplined manner, the Prime Minister said the response of the people in the calamity-hit areas has been very encouraging. He said the spontaneous upsurge of sympathy and support shown by the people was over-whelming.
The Prime Minister urged the volunteers to undertake the relief work in the affected areas in a missionary spirit but with a mature and scientific approach. He said it was a tragedy of catastrophic magnitude and life can never be the same again for the victims. The government, however, will spare no effort to re-habilitate them as early as possible, he said. The Prime Minister commended the volunteerism demonstrated by the people in the face of heavy odds. He said that evacuation of injured is the immediate priority and asked the volunteers to work shoulder to shoulder with the government agencies in treating the injured and helping the needy.
First batch of 60-volunteers headed by Zafarullah Alavi, mostly drawn from Sheikh Zaid Hospital, Lahore including doctors and paramedics with six ambulances and medicines left for Mansehra on Monday to set up medical relief camp which would be the base camp in that area for coordinating medical treatment to the injured. The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs is coordinating the voluntary relief efforts. Minister for Health Nasir Khan and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani were also present on the occasion.
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Govt. sets up Federal relief Commission
RAWALPINDI, Oct 10 (APP): The Government established a Federal Relief Commission on Monday to step up coordination in the massive rescue and relief operation following Saturday's deadly earthquake that triggered a trail of death and destruction in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Hazara division of NWFP. The decision was taken at a meeting presided by President General Pervez Musharraf and also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The Commission will streamline relief operation in collaboration with the provincial government, relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations, Red Crescent and other international agencies.
"The purpose of the Commission is to coordinate and synergize the help and effort that is coming from NGOs, philanthropists and aid coming from foreign countries and international agencies," Press Secretary to the President Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan told newsmen. Maj Gen Muhammad Farooq, Chairman Prime Minister's Inspection Commission will head the Commission. President Musharraf appealed to the nation and the media to remain calm, show patience in the face of the catastrophe. He observed that rapid response of the government has rescued thousands of people trapped in difficult locations while it is also striving to recover the victims trapped under the rubble.
"All national resources, including civilian and military, have been obilized for early recovery, relief and rehabilitation of the quake-hit people, he said. Outlining priorities in the rescue and relief operations, he said the foremost consideration is evacuate the people still marooned under the debris and also pullout the bodies of the unfortunate victims of the tragedy. "We have to race against time to save the lives by providing on-the-site medical assistance and also transporting them to the hospitals at the earliest."
Briefing the media about the decisions taken at he meeting, Presidential Spokesman Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan said the international community has responded urgently to President Musharraf's call for assistance and relief consignments are coming in. He said eight helicopters from the United States have already landed while another four are due to arrive shortly from Afghanistan for supplementing rescue operations in the mountainous region. Twenty six helicopters, drawn from Pakistan Army, the Air Force and civil departments are already operating to evacuate the people, marooned in difficult and inaccessible terrains. Meanwhile, the meeting was informed that round-the-clock work by civilian and army engineers have made it possible within 36-48 hours to reopen blocked routes to the affected areas including Abbottabad-Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi-Bagh and Rawalpindi- Balakot roads.
The road connecting Murree with Muzaffarabad is expected to open later Monday evening. Prompt provisions include relief items including tents, blanket items, food items for individuals and families including pulses, cooking oil, flour, tea, milk powder, sugar, water, dates and other essential eatables. The meeting decided that medical teams should include surgeons, specialists and lady doctors from both civil and military hospitals for on-the-spot surgery and treatment in specially set up hospitals in the disaster-stricken areas. The Government has also prioritized obtaining infection control sprays from abroad and vaccinations to control epidemics. Coffin cloth will also be included in the goods. President Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz appealed to the nation to offer special prayers on Friday next for the country's safety and speedy recovery and rehabilitation of the affected. They also asked the people to pray for the departed souls and courage and fortitude for the bereaved families.
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PAF undertakes large scale relief operations
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): During the last three days, since the devastating earthquake hit northern parts of the country, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has undertaken large scale relief operations for the victims. On Monday a C-130 aircraft of PAF carried out aerial delivery of the relief goods to the victims of earthquake in Balakot area. The relief goods included tents, blankets, sleeping bags and foods stuff. The aerial delivery was carried out in the areas where access through ground has been hampered due to large scale damage of the roads. Another C-130 was used in the role of Air Ambulance whereby it carried 60 seriously injured from Islamabad to Gujranwala airfield.
The injured were brought from Azad Kashmir and they were required to be immediately shifted to Gujranwala CMH. PAF's Boeing 707 and C-130 aircraft flew number of sorties between Karachi-Islamabad and Karachi-Kamra to airlift goods donated by citizens of Karachi. These relief goods, which have been collected at the Relief Camp organized by Pakistan Air Force at PAF Museum Karachi, includes various edible material (Dry Milk, Biscuits, Rice Flour, Ghee, Sugar , Pulses, Juices, Mineral Water), tents, Blankets, Shoes, Clothes, Utensils and Medicines.
From Islamabad and Kamra the relief goods would be transported to earthquake hit areas. PAF's Y-12 aircraft and cargo helicopters have also been employed to airlift relief cargo consisting of medicines, and rescue teams to Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad, Bagh and other earthquake hit areas of the country. The aircraft have been utilized to transport dead and injured to Islamabad from effected areas. Moreover, number of aircraft from UAE, Turkey, France, Russia, USA, Germany and Iran have also reached Chaklala Airbase carrying relief goods and Rescue experts.
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World Foreign Ministers offer condolences
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): A large number of Foreign Ministers have sent messages of condolences and sympathy to Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri. They expressed their condolences and conveyed their deepest sympathies to the families of the victims of the earthquake which has caused massive devastation and destruction and huge loss of lives in the country. Expressing their sorrow and grief, they assured Foreign Minister Kasuri that their governments would be ready to assist Pakistan in any manner that might be needed. The Foreign Minister thanked them for their offer of support and assistance.
This included the Foreign Ministers of Iran, Manocher Mottaki, Foreign Minister of India, K.Natwar Singh, deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey, Abdullah Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, M. Morshed Khan, EU Commissioner Mrs. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Foreign Minister of Japan Nobutaka Machimura, Minister of External Relations of Brazil, Celso Amorim, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Joschka Fischer, Foreign Minister of Mexico, Luis Ernesto Derbez Bautista and Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Mr.Zhang Deguang. Earlier, the American Secretary of State, Dr.Condoleezza Ri ce, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, Foreign Minister of Spain, Angel Moratinos Cuyaube and Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Anura Bandaranaike, also telephoned Foreign Minister Kasuri also.
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Relief, rescue gain momentum after road reopening: Shaukat Sultan
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Shaukat Sultan on Monday said that rescue and relief operation in the quake devastated areas of NWFP and AJK had been further geared up after the restoration of road links to these areas. A number of rescue teams comprising male and female doctors, specialists, and workers with necessary equipment and food items have been despatched to the quake-hit areas. Briefing the media on decisions taken by a meeting chaired by President General Pervez Musharraf and also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, he said the meeting decided to set up a Federal Relief Commission to streamline relief operations in collaboration with the provincial governments, relevant ministries, non-governmental organizations, Red Crescent and other international agencies.
"The purpose of the Commission is to coordinate and synergize the help and effort that is coming from NGOs, philanthropists and aid coming from foreign countries and international agencies," said Maj Gen Shaukat Sultan who also is Press Secretary to the President. The enormity of the earthquake was so much and the area affected was so massive that it was difficult to reach everyone with in first 24-36 hours, he said. He added that foreign teams are bringing right kind of equipment for the rescue effort. Along with them there are professional rescue teams, field hospitals, which have been assigned to different affected areas. He said French, Spanish, German, Turkish, UAE, Chinese, Japanese and Iranian teams have been despatched to various quake-hit areas.
He expressed the hope that some more teams from abroad would be reaching in a short span. Sultan said a fleet of 8 helicopters from the US had arrived and five of these were MI-17 transport type while three others were Chinooks. He confirmed 20,000 deaths and over 50,000 injured in the Saturday's quake and aftershocks. He said Pakistan Army had lost more than 300 soldiers and over 500 were injured in the affected areas. Sultan said the first priority of the rescue operators is to find the people still alive and rescue them while the second would be to evacuate bodies under the rubble for burial, besides providing tents and food to survivors.
Shifting of the critically injured to safe areas for appropriate treatment is also on the priority list and as so far around 2000 injured have been evacuated to various Military Hospitals in Rawalpinid, Gujranwala, Jehlum, Kharian, Mangla and Lahore. He said 26 helicopters of Army, Airforce and other civil organisations are taking part in the relief and rescue operation besides the C-130 aircraft of Airforce. So far 82 sorties have been undertaken by these helicopters which have supplied 7 tonnes of medicines, 12 tonnes of rations and 2 tones of water in the affected ares. He said the medicine and ration have been supplied from the reserved stocks of Pakistan army. He said that Pakistan army has established six forward operation bases for smooth relief and rescue operation in the most devastated areas.
These bases include each at Balakot, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Bagh, Batgram and Mansehra. From these bases the helicopters would carry forward the relief supplies and rescue operators to the far flung areas, he added. He said provision of temporary accommodation facilities, drinking water, food, medicines, blankets are the other areas on which the relief activities are focusing. He said troops of Pakistan Army have moved to the affected areas to carry out relief operations and in those areas where their number was minimal their number has been sufficiently replenished.
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Iranian leader calls President Musharraf to express solidarity in face of earthquake tragedy
RAWALPINDI, Oct 10 (APP): Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad telephoned President General Pervez Musharraf on Monday to express his country's solidarity with the Government and the people of Pakistan in the face of large-scale losses triggered by Saturday morning's earthquake. "The Iranian people stand with the Pakistani nation in its hour of trial and we share the grief and sorrow of the victims of the deadly quake," he said, offering condolences to the bereaved families. Tehran, he said, would extend all possible assistance to Pakistan in carrying out gigantic relief operations. President Musharraf thanked the Iranian leader for his expression of support and assistance in the hour of tragedy.
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Sherpao expresses satisfaction over relief activities
ISLAMABAD, Oct 10 (APP): Minister for Interior Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao on Monday expressed satisfaction over relief activities started in the quake-affected areas of the country. Talking to journalists here, the minister said relief and rescue efforts are underway in all quake-hit areas for the rehabilitation of the affected people. He said so far 20,000 deaths have been confirmed while search operation is underway in all affected areas of the country. He said government was utilizing all available resources for the rehabilitation of the affectees. Sherpao said that restoration of road was government's top priority, adding government has re-opened road links for traffic in quake-hit areas of NWFP and AJK.
He said roads of Mansehra-Muzaffarabad, Balakot and Bagh have been opened for traffic. He added with the opening of these roads the on-going relief operation will get in full swing. The minister said the government was striving to provide maximum medical facilities to the injured by the severe earthquake while tents are being arranged in large number for providing shelter to the affected people. He said international media was also arriving Pakistan to cover the destructions of the earthquake.
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