RIYADH, Oct 15: Saudi Arabia on Saturday announced a $133 million emergency aid package for rebuilding infrastructural projects in northern areas of Pakistan. “King Abdullah gave orders for a grant worth 500 million riyals ($133 million) to rebuild basic infrastructure installations, including schools, buildings, roads and hospitals, in the brother Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” said a statement from the royal court.

The Saudi king ordered the finance minister to enable the Saudi Development Fund to carry out the royal order immediately in coordination with the concerned authorities in Pakistan.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia had announced forming an air bridge to airlift aid material urgently required for the Oct 8 quake victims. A number of Saudi cargo planes carrying humanitarian aid have already landed at the Chaklala airport.

The king has also authorized donation campaigns across the kingdom.

The Saudi Hilal-i-Ahmar in coordination with the Pakistani embassy is collecting funds and aid. Some charitable organizations such as Prince Talal’s Fund for Development have announced additional donation for the affected. A 50-bed field hospital has been ser up by the Saudi authorities to provide medical assistance in the quake-hit areas.

Other Gulf countries, including the UAE and Kuwait, have announced $100 million in cash.