Jordan’s King shares grief of quake victims
By Zulfiqar Ahmad

ISLAMABAD—Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Friday appreciated the international response to the tragedy caused by October 8 earthquake, which had caused widespread death and destruction in the affected areas.
“We are very pleased. This is a major tragedy which will cost us in billions of dollars,” he said while talking to newsmen after seeing off King Abdullah II of Jordan at PAF Chaklala base.
Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan was getting good support and was looking forward to even more support from its friends in rebuilding quake-affected areas.
He also lauded the response from the people within the country who were generously contributing to the relief fund.
The Prime Minister appreciated Jordan’s support for the quake-hit victims as King Abdullah assured all assistance to Pakistan in this hour of need.
King Abdullah held talks with President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Aziz and also offered his condolences on the loss of lives in the calamity.
Prime Minister Aziz said he discussed further promotion of political, diplomatic and economic ties with the King, who was here on a brief visit.
He recalled the close and cordial relations between Pakistan and Jordan characterized by religious affinity and commonality of views on important issues.
Jordan was among the few countries which immediately responded to Pakistan’s appeal for the international assistance to the earthquake-hit areas.
The Prime Minister said Jordan has sent two plane loads of relief goods and more assistance from the country was on the way.
Earlier in the day, Prince Rashid Bin Al Hassan of Jordan also called on the Prime Minister to discuss relief efforts.
Prince Rashid, the son of Prince Hasan Bin Talal and Princess Sarvath, personally escorted a mobile hospital on October 10.
He supervised the entire process of setting up the 25-bed hospital in Rawalakot, which is manned by a support staff of over 50, including 11 doctors.