Comprehensive rebuilding plan to be put before donors
Reconstruction cost to run into billions of dollars: President
By Our Special Correspondent

RAWALPINDI—President General Pervez Musharraf Friday said reconstruction cost in the earthquake-shattered areas would run into several billion dollars, considering the damage to all kinds of infrastructure building and houses.
The President told James Lambright, President of the United States Export-Import Bank, that a donors’ conference on reconstruction in the quake-ravaged areas would be held here soon where the cost estimates would be placed before Pakistan’s development partners.
He invited the Bank to support Pakistan in its reconstruction efforts and also in augmenting foreign direct investment, which would play a key role in job creation.
While Pakistan had succeeded in attracting FDI, the potential remains much larger, he observed during call on by the American banker.
Outlining the extent of death and destruction wreaked by the earthquake, he described the Government’s efforts in relief and rehabilitation tasks.
President Musharraf observed that Government is determined to continue its policies aimed at strengthening economic growth and creating jobs which are really at a heart of poverty alleviation, despite the several challenges in the earthquake devastated areas.
He stated that both reconstruction and poverty-alleviating growth are the highest priorities of the Government.
Lambright expressed his grief at the widespread devastation caused by the earthquake and the loss of thousands of precious lives.
He said the Bank would look for the opportunities to support Pakistan in its efforts to overcome this crisis.
The EXIM Bank President also praised Pakistan’s economic policies and performance, underlining his confidence in Pakistan economic prospects.
Lambright reiterated the Bank’s commitment to scale up its operations in Pakistan, which has a bright economic future.
APP adds: President General Pervez Musharraf has reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued support for Nepal’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty as well as its economic development and thanked the South Asian country for extending assistance to Pakistan’s earthquake relief efforts.
The President was speaking to Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Nepal, Ramesh Nath Pandey, who called on him on Friday.
The Foreign Minister conveyed deep sympathy and condolences from King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Deva and the people of Nepal for the great loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Pakistan.
The President conveyed gratitude for Nepal’s donation of US $50,000/- towards the President’s Relief Fund and supply of relief goods.
The Foreign Minister briefed the President on the current situation in Nepal and handed over a letter from King Gyanendara Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The President renewed the invitation he had extended to King Gyanendra and Queen Komal to visit Pakistan and stated that the looked forward to the visit at early mutually convenient dates. Foreign Minister Pandey is on a 4-day visit to Pakistan. He will hold bilateral talks with Foreign Minster Khurshid M. Kasuri call on the Prime Minister on October 29. He will also deliver a talk on the “Situation in Nepal” at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad on October 29.