Japan donating aid generously
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Out of the earlier committed emergency grant aid of 20 million US dollars, in response to the earthquake disaster in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Government of Japan today decided to provide 1,284 million yen, or approximately US$ 12 million of this commitment as bilateral emergency grant aid for those adversely affected by the large-scale earthquake in Pakistan. Japan also decided that US$ 8 million of the said emergency assistance be utilized through international organizations.
A Japanese rescue team composed of 49 members was dispatched on 9th October and on 10th October, a Japanese medical team of 21 members arrived in Islamabad. On 11th October, 25 million yen (approx. US$ 238.000) worth of relief items reached Islamabad. On 10 October, around 130 personnel of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) arrived to operate three UH-1 helicopters in Pakistan. Two helicopters arrived at Islamabad today and another will arrive tomorrow. These are the efforts that Japan has been undertaking for the relief of earthquake victims in Pakistan.
Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Shuzen Tanigawa visited Pakistan and met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on 12’’ October. He was told that tents, blankets, and chemical materials to prevent the decomposition of corpses are needed, along with medium and light construction machinery to remove debris. Such supplies that need to be provided quickly will be purchased through the above mentioned US$ 12 million grant aid. Japan will also discuss middle to long-term assistance with Pakistan.