Howard pledges support to quake rebuilding efforts
By Our Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD—Australian Prime Minister John Howard has assured President Musharraf that government will provide all out assistance to affectees of killer earthquake.
In a telephonic conversation with President Musharraf, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said that Australia is with the people of Pakistan in this critical crisis and all possible help will be given to them in this regard.
He further said that an Australian delegation would come to Islamabad to participate in Donors Conference on November 19. Meanwhile President Musharraf thanked the Australian PM for his kind gesture and support for the affectees of killer earthquake.
The first contingent of Australian troops has arrived in Pakistan to help provide urgent health care to earthquake victims.
More tha 88,000 people died after the earthquake which rocked the country on Oct 8, but aid organisations fear the death toll could rise with winter fast approaching. The Defence Department confirmed the first team of Australian troops had arrived in Islamabad.