Rawalakot, Pakistan, November 29th, 2010 - Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani and UAE Health Minister Dr Hanif Hassan Ali inaugurated the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Hospital in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir,140 kms north-east of Islamabad.
They unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the official opening of the 250-bed hospital that will serve a population of 500,000. The USD 28mn project was supervised by the Directorate of Municipal Affairs. The opening ceremony was attended by Raja Zulqarnain Khan, President of AJK, Sardar Attique Ahmed Khan, AJK Prime Minister, federal ministers in Pakistan and other senior officials. "This hospital, besides being a symbol of hope and new life for the people of Rawalakot and other earthquake affected areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, epitomises the time tested friendship between the brotherly peoples and governments of Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates," said Gilani.
The hospital is one of many projects funded by the United Arab Emirates, not only in the earthquake affected areas but across Pakistan. Prime Minister Gilani said the United Arab Emirates has also surfaced as a philanthropist state, a reputation well earned in light of its assistance to third world countries.
He acknowledged that the generous support and help extended by the friends of the United Arab Emirates, as usual being in the forefront, which he said would alleviate the suffering and hardships of the hapless victims of the October 2005 earthquake. Gilani said Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have always enjoyed exemplary relations, based on cultural affinities and values.
Over the years the UAE has emerged as one of our most valued economic and trading partners. Touring the hospital along with UAE Minister of Health Dr Hanif Hassan, Gilani said that he observed world class healthcare facilities. Dr Hanif Hassan expressed happiness over the opportunity to participate in the occasion and said that the hospital will alleviate the sufferings of those who were affected by the devastating earthquake.