Pakistan has sent about Rs one billion assistance to different tsunami effected countries so far, while Rs 900 million have been collected from different sources under the auspices of "President Relief Fund for Tsunami Victims". Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Parliamentary Secretary for Cabinet Division informed this to the media at a press conference on Thursday. She said that Pakistan has played a significant role in the rehabilitation drives for the tsunami-affected countries.

She highlighted the measures, which have been taken by the government by establishing tsunami relief cell in the federal secretariat.

Dr Firdous also informed that Pakistan's Navy, Army, and Engineering Corps have been actively engaged since the disaster occurred for rehabilitation of tsunami affected countries. She said that about more than 30 C-130 aircraft have been sent to the affected countries by dispatching the relief consignments.

She said that government has sent not only relief goods but also other assistance including, three helicopters, expeditious taskforce comprising four officers and 50 marines, two medical teams comprising 14 officers and 48 personnel and engineering support equipment of Pakistan Army.

Awan said that the Pakistani teams have evacuated 367 persons belonging to 21 nationalities.

She said that almost 700 tons foodstuff, blankets and medicines have been dispatched to the countries so far, and assistance would continue till March.

Talking about the further fund raising for the purpose, she said that government has planned to mobilise public through different events and programmes, adding forthcoming Basant festival would also be associated to raise fund for the purpose.

Dr Fardous was also optimistic that parliamentarians would also take part in the relief fund by contributing at least one-month salary.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005