Red Cross donates $100,000 for Pakistan's victims

ISLAMABAD - The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) on Monday donated $100,000 to Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for Pakistan's earthquake victims.

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong handed over a donation cheque to Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz Khan, chairman of the PRCS, at the PRCS national headquarters in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Sun said the Chinese government and people felt "grieved as much as the brotherly Pakistani people" for the heavy casualties and property loss caused by the quakes. Chinese president and prime minister sent condolences to their Pakistani counterparts immediately after the earthquake on Sept 24.

China has offered relief assistance including $1.5 million and supplies worth 30 million yuan ($4.88 million). All the supplies have already reached Pakistani southern city of Karachi and will be delivered to the victims, the ambassador said.

"I am convinced that under the leadership of the Pakistani government, the Pakistani people can unite to overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes," the ambassador said, adding that China will continue to offer all necessary assistance to Pakistan.

Chairman of the PRCS Nawaz Khan thanked China for its generous support and hoped that the donation would help alleviate the victims' suffering.

"The help reflects that the whole Chinese nation stands with the Pakistani brethren in this critical time and this would help the PRCS to better serve the affectees," he added.

At least 371 people were killed and over 750 others injured in two earthquakes that hit Pakistan's southwest Balochistan province on Sept 24 and 28.