07 January 2005	Friday	25 Ziqa'ad 1425

ISLAMABAD, Jan 6: Pakistan has donated 45 ambulances to Afghanistan as part of its rebuilding process. Foreign Secretary Riaz H. Khokhar handed over the vehicles to Afghanistan Ambassador Dr Nanguyalai Tarzai in a simple ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday.

Senior ministry officials and the Afghanistan embassy were also present on the occasion. The ambulances are in addition to 200 trucks which Pakistan had donated to Afghanistan last year. Pakistan has also decided to contribute 100 buses for the Afghan transport sector. The buses are being procured and will be delivered shortly.

It may be noted that Pakistan has pledged $100 million for Afghan reconstruction. Several projects in the health, education, infrastructure as well as capacity-building sectors are being financed from this fund.

The foreign secretary wished the Afghan government and the people every success in the ongoing reconstruction process. Dr Tarzai expressed thanks and appreciation to the government and the people of Pakistan. -APP