June 26, 2006	Monday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 29, 1427

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TAXILA, June 25: Britain would continue its support to Pakistan in its rehabilitation efforts in the quake-affected areas. This commitment was made by Malcolm Bruce, the head of the six-member parliamentary delegation from UK, while talking to reporters at the Taxila Museum on Sunday.

The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad on Sunday for a week-long visit to Pakistan, comprised representatives from all political parties. They included MPs Johan Battle, Quentin Davies, Ann Mckechin and Marsha Singh.

Mr Bruce said: “The people of Britain offer their deepest sympathies for the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake.”

He said Britain’s commitment towards earthquake relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction was to the tune of $220 million, adding that $76 million was also donated by British charities bringing the total to almost $300 million which was all in grant and donation.

He said the United Kingdom understood the need to help Pakistani economy sustain the aftermath of the ‘great calamity’ that devastated large areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP, rendering 3.5 million homeless, claiming more than 74,000 lives and injuring almost an equal number in the quake-affected areas.

He said the calamity was almost of ‘unprecedented proportions’ but noted that the response of the government and international aid agencies was swift and organised as in the case of Pakistan.

Mr Bruce said the immense magnitude of the disaster called for consistent and long-term support for relief and Responding to a question, he said the delegation after its return would present a report and recommendations to the British parliament on how the government and charity organisations could actively participate in short as well long-term rehabilitation process.

Earlier on arrival at Taxila Museum, the delegation was received by the director-general, Department of Archaeology, Fazal Dad Kakar, deputy director Dr Ashraf Khan, curator of the museum Amanullah and Unesco coordinator Farhat Gul.

The delegation visited various sections of the museum and took keen interest in the Buddhist sculptures.

The MPs were enthralled when they were informed that the museum was constructed by British archaeologist Sir Johan Marshal in 1928.

The delegation also visited the annexe of Mr Marshal where he spent many years while carrying out exploration and excavation work.