As an all-weather friend of Pakistan, China has been extending timely, generous and continuous relief aid to Pakistan since the catastrophic earthquake hit Pakistan on October 8, 2005. By Oct.21, 2005, the total value of Chinese relief contribution to Pakistan (in cash and kind combined) has surpassed US$10 million and more relief efforts are underway.

A comprehensive aid package totaling US$ 6.2 million (out of which US$ 1 million in cash and US$5.2 million in kind) announced by the Chinese government on Oct. 9, 2005 has been fully implemented. Nine cargo planes had been sent to Pakistan delivering 9 batches of relief goods. The relief goods include 25,000 blankets, 2310 tents, 7350 cotton padded mattresses, 23,980 towel coverlets, 38,000 bed sheets, 1312 generators, 1272 emergency lamps, 6400 buckets, 12 water purifiers, 20,000 gallons of purified water, as well as 46 tons of medicine and medical equipments. Ministry of Defense of China has donated US$ 100,000 in cash to Ministry of Defense of Pakistan on Oct. 10, 2005. In view of the shortage for shelter and warm beddings in the earthquake-hit areas, the Chinese government is going to send more tents, blankets and other beddings.

The Red Cross Society of China has donated to Red Crescent Society of Pakistan on Oct. 13, 2005 through Chinese Embassy in Islamabad US$100,000 in cash. The Red Cross Society also sent a chartered plane on Oct. 18, 2005 with over 80 tons of relief goods worth US$405,000, namely 170 tents, 21,040 blankets, 8020 sleeping bags, 18,290 towel coverlets and 100 walki-talki sets. Chinese Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CAFFC) donated US$10,000 to President Relief Fund on Oct.10, 2005. Chinese company named NORINCO donated US$300,000 to the President Relief Fund. Chinese company HUAWEI also donated US$300,000 to President Relief Fund through Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. HUAWEI also pledged to the Prime Minister to donate equipment worth of US$ 3 million for earthquake relief and reconstruction. All-China Women's Federation pledged US$62,000 in kind.

On Oct. 18, 2005, H.E. Mr. Zhang Chunxiang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan handed over 7.02 million Rupees and US$2055 of the personal donation of diplomats of Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and staff of Chinese companies based in Pakistan to H.E. Mr. Riaz Muhammad Khan, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

A 49-member Chinese International Rescue Team composed of rescuers, medical staffs and seismological experts with six sniffing dogs and eight tons of search equipment reached Pakistan on Oct. 9, 2005 and had worked in Balakot for eight days. As the first team to enter the town of Balakot, it succeeded in saving three Pakistani victims and offered medical treatment for 591 local people. Entrusted by the UN relief coordination center at Muzafarabad, the Chinese team served as a UN sub-coordinator at Balakot and enjoyed very good cooperation with teams from UAE, Germany, Switzerland, Jordan, WHO, etc.

The Chinese leaders extended their sincere sympathy to the Government and people of Pakistan and heartfelt grief to the victims and deep condolences to the bereaved family. H.E. Mr. Zhang Chunxiang, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, told the local press that China will provide every possible assistance to Pakistan at this critical moment. He also said that Pakistani people, under the leadership of President Musharaff and with the help of international community, would surely overcome all difficulties and rebuild their homeland.