ISLAMABAD, Jan 17: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Tuesday expressed the hope that the personal interest and efforts of UN Special Envoy for Pakistan Earthquake Relief George H.W. Bush would help raise much-needed funds for reconstruction and rehabilitation of quake-hit areas.

“Your efforts will help raise more money and get the message across the world” about the ravages of the earthquake, he said while talking to Mr Bush who met him here at the Prime Minister House.

Talking to reporters later, the former US president stressed the importance of funds in carrying on with relief operations. “It is very important that the relief efforts go forward and funds be made available to get this done.”

Mr Bush said his role was to engage people, countries and aid agencies to transfer their pledges into reality.

The envoy, who earlier visited a tent school in Islamabad, said he was moved to see children affected by the tragedy.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Aziz apprised the envoy of efforts being made by the government in cooperation with the international community to help the quake victims.

Praising the UN role in relief efforts, he said its support was a source of strength for Pakistan. He informed the envoy that a ‘disaster management and rehabilitation agency’ would be set up to cope with such calamities in future.

The premier pointed out that it was in coordination with aid agencies that the government was able to prevent outbreak of any epidemic in the quake-hit regions.

In reply to a question, he described the recent Bajaur incident as ‘unfortunate’ that had claimed many innocent lives. He said the government and members of the civil society had widely condemned the incident.

Reiterating the government’s resolve to fight terrorism, he said it was the sole responsibility of Pakistan to take action inside its territory.

In the context of his visit to US starting Wednesday, Mr Aziz said Pakistan wanted to engage the US on many issues, including terrorism, and added that he would discuss the Bajaur incident with the US leaders.

He said ties with the US were important and growing. However, he emphasized, an incident like the Bajaur airstrike could not be condoned.

Later, the prime minister hosted lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the government had so far disbursed Rs23 billion in quake relief, of which Rs18 billion went straight to the affected.

He said the government was focusing on providing income-generation opportunities to quake survivors and help to the wounded and the disabled.

“God bless Pakistan,” said Mr Bush and expressed the confidence that the country had a wonderful spirit and would be able to overcome this tragedy.

SURVIVORS’ CAMP: Mr Bush visited an earthquake survivors’ camp in Islamabad Tuesday after bad weather grounded flights to the worst-hit areas for third consecutive day.