December 1, 2001	Saturday	Ramazan 15, 1422

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QUETTA, Nov 30: The United Arab Emirates ambassador to Pakistan, Mr Ali Muhammad Ben Hammad Al Shamsi and Corps Commander Quetta, Lt-Gen Abdul Quadir, visited the Roghani refugee camp, 10km from the border town Chaman.

The UAE government has established this huge camp for the displaced Afghan people pouring into Pakistan due to heavy bombardment in Kandahar and other areas of Afghanistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the UAE envoy said: “We are happy to help the people of the area. We are expecting around 40,000 refugees ending up in the camp.”

The UAE ambassador and corps commander went round the camp and inquired about the welfare and health of the refugees lodged there.

Gen Abdul Quadir directed the army officials to extend every possible support to the camp management.

Later, talking to the area notables, he said Pakistan’s stand during Afghan crisis was based on principle and in keeping with the UN resolutions.

“Pakistan’s security comes first,” he remarked and went on to add that Islamabad, in concert with other countries, would play a positive role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction.

He said Islamabad’s decision to grant 10 per cent additional funds to Balochistan “is very gratifying.” He said the money released by the government would be spent on the province’s development.

Earlier, the Director and General Manager, Technical, UAE Red Crescent Society for Afghan refugees, Mr Mushtaq Ahmed said that the camp is spread over 1.5 million square metres, enough to house 40,000 refugees. It has been divided into four sectors with allied facilities.

The facilities include sanitation, generators for electricity supply in the camp, cooking area, serving area, playground, mosque, school and dispensary for the sick people.

“A total of 4,640 tents have been pitched for providing shelter to the Afghan refugees,” Mr Mushtaq said, adding the water supply system consisted of three tubewells with turbines, pumps, overhead water tanks, main and distributor waterlines.