No harm to accept Israeli, Indian quake aid: Shujaat
By Asim Hussain

ISLAMABAD—President Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that there is no harm to accept donations for earthquake affectees from Israel and India on humanitarian ground.
He was addressing a press conference at PML House after briefing ambassadors and counselors about the tragedy of 8th October (Earthquake) on Monday.
PML Secretary General Mushahid Hussain, Health Minister Nasir Khan, PML Senior Vice president Gohar Ayub and Prime Minister Advisor on Women Development Nilofar Bakhtiar were also present on the occasion.
Shujaat noted that every one was sobbed over the loss of lives and property following earthquake in Pakistan.
We accepted donations that came from India, he said.
He said that he informed ambassadors about the loss resulted earthquake and the necessity of funds for the reconstruction and rehabilitation worst-hit areas.
PML president noted that whole nation is united after tragedy (earthquake) to help its helpless brethrens.
Shujaat noted that nation was not prepared for this catastrophic natural disaster owing to which mismanagement was seen in relief activities in the beginning.
However, relief work is in full swing now in quake affected areas, he maintained.
He said that ambassador of Azerbaijan gave $1,000 as an aid for quake affectees, added other ambassadors were also appealed to give financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the affectees.
Speaking on the occasion, PML Secretary General Mushahid Hussain said that 67 foreign countries lend assistance in relief activities after earthquake in Pakistan.
19 Rescue and Relief Camps, 16 foreign organizations, 92 NGOs and 16 field hospitals were sent to Pakistan for relief work after earthquake, he added.
To a question, Mushahid said that 650 police officials have been deputed to stop burglary incidents.
AJK government is being fully supported in this critical time, he added.
APP adds: President Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain Monday said a long term and comprehensive strategy is being prepared for the rehabilitation of the earthquake affectees. Giving a detailed briefing to the foreign diplomats here at Pakistan Muslim League House, the PML President said the government and the nation are determined to face the challenges from the national tragedy and are working sincerely for the rehabilitation of the affectees. He said relief efforts in the affected areas would be continued till the revival of normal life in the areas.
Later talking to the media, the PML President said the offer of relief from India and Israel is based on humanity and there is no reason for anyone to raise any objection. Chaudhry Shujaat appreciated tremendous relief aid on national and international level for the rehabilitation of the quake victims and hoped that it would continue in future. The PML President said the country was not ready for such unprecedented catastrophe and therefore in some difficult areas relief was delayed. He said due to damaged roads coordinated efforts could not be initially made in time. However now the relief work is being expedited on priority basis.
The PML President said some political parties of the country were demanding convening of an ‘All Parties Conference’ on the subject of calamity, and the PML has supported the demand and decided that whenever they are ready APC would be convened. Secretary General PML Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed gave details to foreign diplomats about relief work being done by the government and PML. He said rehabilitation and reconstruction plan would have to be implemented on war footing. He said national spirit of sacrifice, courage and cooperation is real greatest strength in order to face present challenges. Thanking the international community for relief and grants, Senator Mushahid said that presently 67 countries, 92 international NGOs, 16 global organizations, 19 rescue teams and 16 foreign mobile hospitals are providing help to quake survivors.
Senior Vice President of PML Gohar Ayub giving details to foreign diplomats said some affected population is still inaccessible and roads remained blocked. Hence special helicopters were required to carry tents, blankets and other necessary goods. Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis and Secretary Information PML Senator Tariq Azeem said devotion and dedication of people of Pakistan and foreigners shown on this occasion has encouraged the people working in rescue and relief operations. He said the situation will gradually be improve through sustained and organized efforts of the government and NGOs. Advisor to Prime Minister and President PML Women Wing Nilofar Bakhtiar said women are also actively taking part in the relief operations. She said 8500 beds have been collected through ‘one house one bed’ campaign. She said a helpline has been set up for family-less women and children. Diplomats from USA, UK, Canada, France, Russian, Malaysia, Denmark, Thailand, Rumania, China and many other countries attended the briefing.