October 31, 2008	Friday	Ziqa'ad 1, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Oct 30: Chinese Ambassador Luo Zahao called on President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday and presented a cheque for one million US dollars for the people affected by Wednesday’s earthquake in Balochistan.

The ambassador said that leaders and the people of China were saddened by the calamity.

President Zardari thanked the Chinese government for the help. The Chinese Red Crescent said it would provide $50,000 to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

The United States has offered one million dollars through the USAID.

Saudi Arabia announced that it would send relief goods worth $280,000 to the quake-hit areas.

Dr Khalid M. Al-Othmani, regional director of the Saudi Public Assistance for Pakistan Earthquake Victims, told reporters that the aid, being provided on the directives of King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, would include 1,000 tents, 1,000 blankets, 1,000 quilts and other goods.

Japan said it would give relief goods worth $110,000.

“The government of Japan has decided to extend the emergency assistance immediately keeping in view of friendly relations between Pakistan and Japan and taking into account the scale of disaster,” a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy said.

The emergency supplies would be sent by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the statement said.