China gives relief goods for the earthquake victims

Lahore: Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Thursday said  the Chinese people and government have once again demonstrated their compassion for the people of Pakistan and their commitment to stand alongside the Pakistani nation at a time when it was struck by a natural calamity. He was talking to the media after receiving Chinese relief goods here at Benazir International Airport.

Chinese Ambassador  Sun Weidong handed over the relief consignment to the Information  Minister and Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Major General Asghar Nawaz.

The minister on behalf of the government and the people of Pakistan thanked the government and the people of China for sending relief goods for the earthquake affected people. Pakistan and China, he said, had close and brotherly relations which were time tested and had always stood with each other in times of trial. “We shared grief and joys with each other.”He said the people and the government of Pakistan were grateful to the international community for their messages of sympathies and offers of assistance.

However, it was decided since Pakistan had the resources and ability to respond to this natural calamity, it would not appeal for any international assistance, he added. As a gesture of solidarity with the Pakistani brethren, the Peoples Republic of China has extended the humanitarian relief assistance to Pakistan to express solidarity and to mitigate sufferings of the people affected by the earthquake, that struck the northern parts of country on October 26. The relief consignment mainly include tents, blankets and generators for the earthquake affected families.

Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong expressed sorrow over the destruction and loss of lives caused by the earthquake. He also appreciated the Government of Pakistan for ensuring immediate response and provision of timely relief assistance to the earthquake victims and reiterated the resolve of his government to stand by the people of Pakistan.

NDMA Chairman Asghar Nawaz also appreciated the gesture and thanked China for the humanitarian assistance .

The minister later formally received the relief goods and he along the Chinese ambassador inspected the consignment.