MUZAFFARABAD, 21 November 2005 — Saudi Arabia has been playing a leading role in providing relief to survivors of the Oct. 8 earthquake that hit northwestern Pakistan, according to Brig. Iftikhar Ali Khan, commander of relief works here.
Speaking to Arab News, Khan said the devastating tremor destroyed 1,300 villages in Azad Kashmir, killing more than 43,000 people and injuring 31,000 others.
“We are dealing with this disaster as one family,” Khan said about the efforts of international relief organizations to alleviate the suffering of the quake victims. He referred to the recent visit of Deputy Interior Minister Prince Ahmed to quake-hit areas, representing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, to assess relief requirements.
King Abdullah has approved a SR500 million emergency aid for Pakistan to rebuild schools, hospitals and other infrastructure facilities. The king also ordered a nationwide campaign to collect funds for the quake victims. Interior Minister Prince Naif, supervisor of the relief committee, said the Kingdom raised more than SR265 million through the campaign.
