Bangkok--Oct 28--eTurboNews
NEW DELHI, India (eTurboNews) -- Continuing its support and helping quake-victims in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, India has offered $25 million in aid to Pakistan, to help rehabilitate those who survived the devastating earthquake earlier this month.
India's offer was made at the meeting of UN Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva by Minister of State for Statistics and Program Implementation Oscar Fernandes.
"The government of Pakistan would be welcome to use this contribution for rebuilding homes and rehabilitating people, reconstructing the infrastructure and restoring essential services," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said.
Pakistan may also procure supplies of building material such as cement, steel and other items from India, he said, adding Indian technology for pre-fabricated earthquake resistant shelters will also be made available to the government of the neighboring country.
"Pakistan is free to use the money for rebuilding homes, rehabilitating people and reconstructing infrastructure," Sarna said.
Since the earthquake, New Delhi has taken several steps to help quake victims in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India has already sent consignments of blankets, tents, plastic sheets and medicines to its neighbor.
The minister announced India's offer two days before an official meeting where the discussion on how to open the Line of Control (LoC) and coordinate relief efforts is expected to take place.
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