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Pakistan

President says Pakistan committed to rebuilding quake-hit areas on modern lines

ISLAMABAD, Jan 16 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf stressed on Monday Pakistan's commitment to rebuilding the earthquake-ravaged areas of NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir on modern lines and added that it looked forward to continued international support for its reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. He was speaking to former US President and UN Special Envoy for Pakistan Earthquake Relief, George H. W. Bush, who called on him. President Musharraf thanked the United Nations for its efforts and sustained focus on relief assistance for quake survivors.
Expressing gratitude for international community's prompt assistance, the President hoped that the generous pledges made by the international community would be materialized in time to realize plans for rebuilding of the quake zone. He briefed former US president about Pakistan's recovery strategy and colossal efforts launched in the aftermath of the natural disaster that struck northern mountainous regions of NWFp and Azad Kashmir on October 8, 2005, claiming more than 73000 lives and devastating infrastructures on large scale.

Speaking of Pakistan's plans and emphasis on rebuilding the damaged areas on modern lines he stated that the entire process of restructuring and rehabilitation would be carried out in a transparent manner. The Government, he said, has already distributed billions of rupees among survivors so that they could start rebuilding their houses. As for the infrastructure, he added, far-improved facilities in education and health sectors would be put in place on a need-based strategy and sponsors worldwide can access the ERRA website for making contribution to these efforts.

President Musharraf said Pakistan Army and government agencies spread out in the quake-affected areas and within a short time raised shelters of corrugated iron sheets, shielding the survivors from bitter cold. George H. W. Bush offered his heartfelt grief over the tragic loss of lives in the earthquake. "Our hearts go out to the quake survivors and we fully share the sorrow, the tragedy inflicted on the families of victims." The UN Special Envoy praised highly organized efforts of Pakistan Army and said its fast-paced work in conjunction with other relief and aid organizations saved the quake survivors from harsh winter.

Bush Senior assured the President that he would remain in touch with the international community to translate the pledges into commitment for unstinted flow of assistance in the reconstruction and rehabilitation stages. Later, the President hosted a dinner in honour of the distinguished guest. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz also attended.