RIYADH, Oct 23: More than $32.2 million were collected in Saudi Arabia until early Sunday after the kingdom launched a drive to collect donations for earthquake victims in Pakistan under the directives of King Abdullah.

The king started the campaign by announcing a personal donation of $2.66 million (Saudi Riyal 10 million) to the fund.

The telethon was organized jointly by the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya news channel and the Saudi TV.

Saudi nationals and expatriates were seen flocking to the Prince Faisal ibn Fahd Stadium to deposit money, jewellery and other valuables in large glass boxes set up on the grounds.

Crown Prince Sultan contributed SR5 million while Interior Minister Prince Naif gave SR3 million. Riyadh Governor Prince Salman and Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed donated SR1 million each.

Saudi Aramco staff offered SR7 million. Prince Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, deputy minister for defence and aviation and inspector-general, donated a 100,000sq-mr plot located in Dhahrat Dairab in Riyadh which is estimated at millions of riyals. Prince Ahmad bin Abdulaziz, deputy minister for interior, donated SR1 million.

“We also have businessman Hassan Al-Mahdi cancelling his wedding and donating its cost of SR500,000 to the drive,” a TV presenter announced.

Al-Arabiya broadcast live feeds from its correspondents in quake-hit areas as an anchorman discussed the impact of the disaster with his guests in the studio.

Governors were asked to organize the donation campaign in their regions. Interior Minister Prince Naif is coordinator of the campaign.