WASHINGTON, Feb 17: President George W. Bush has asked the US Congress to allocate $126 million for relief and reconstruction efforts in the earthquake-hit areas of Pakistan.

The humanitarian assistance is part of a $72.4 billion supplemental fund for the global war on terror that President Bush is seeking from US legislators for the remainder of fiscal year 2006, which ends on Sept 30.

The request also includes $3.4 million to help Afghanistan manage the return of refugees resulting from the unanticipated closure of certain refugee camps in Pakistan.

In a letter to the Speaker of the house, President Bush said the money will provide US forces in Iraq and Afghanistan with “the resources they need to fight and win the war on terror.”

According to a White House fact sheet, the funds will also be used to help prepare Iraqi and Afghan forces and governments to “stand on their own.”