British Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn, who arrived here on Thursday, called on President Pervez Musharraf and discussed the ongoing relief efforts in the earthquake-stricken areas.
President Musharraf briefed Hilary Benn about the tragic loss of thousands of precious lives and massive physical destruction caused by the October 8 earthquake.
Benn was informed about the assessment of damage and the time and resources required for rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The president emphasised that the fast approaching winter necessitated redoubling the relief and rehabilitation efforts. President Musharraf said that the government was doing its best to alleviate the sufferings of the people. The President's Relief Fund had been established for early rehabilitation of the victims and the welfare of the orphaned children.
He thanked Hilary Benn for UK's prompt response to the earthquake in Pakistan and the timely and generous assistance being provided in the relief efforts.
Hilary Benn conveyed the profound sympathy and condolences of the government and the people of the UK on the loss of life and property. He said that the UK would provide an additional relief of 20 million pounds.
Benn expressed appreciation of the spirit manifested by the people of Pakistan as well as the Pakistan-origin community in Britain in helping the earthquake victims.
Benn said that an EU development ministers meeting is being arranged in Leeds soon to discuss earthquake relief to Pakistan, besides the donors conference being held in Geneva on October 26.
He also apprised President Musharraf of the relief flights that have been sent to Pakistan from the UK, which included ten aeroplanes carrying tents and 16 flights with different relief assistance donated by the British people.
Meanwhile, Hillary Benn also called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz at the Prime Minister House.
Shaukat said that relief and rescue work is in full swing in the earthquake-affected areas of AJK and NWFP.
The government was presently focusing on rescue and relief work and trying to provide shelter, food and medicines to the people in the affected areas, he added.
The prime minister said as regards the long-term planning, the government has prioritised reconstruction, housing, infrastructure, education and health as the main thrust areas.
Shaukat said the gigantic rescue and relief task was being jointly handled by the army, civil administration and elected representatives.
The prime minister also appreciated the support given by the international community. He expressed the hope that the assistance provided by the international community will continue.
Benn appreciated the relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding work undertaken by the government.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Salman Shah, Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Finance Omar Ayub Khan and other senior government officials were present on the occasion.
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