ISLAMABAD, Nov 7: Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Monday expressed the hope that Nov 19 international donors conference would attract the much-needed assistance for rehabilitation and reconstruction of quake-hit areas of the NWFP and AJK.

“We are hopeful that international donors will be convinced to donate generously to overcome this unprecedented crisis,” Sheikh Rashid told reporters at the PID auditorium. He said that President Pervez Musharraf would open the conference.

271 out of 950 companies, both multi-nationals and locals, have contributed Rs8 billion while $2.4 billion have been pledged by different countries for rehabilitation and reconstruction work.

He also deplored delay from the Indian side to open one of the five designated relief points along the LoC and alleged that they wasted too much time in realizing the actual magnitude of the destruction caused by the earthquake.

About the purchase of 77 F-16s combat fighter, the minister said the deal had been postponed in country’s best interest to channelize more in relief and reconstruction activities in the quake-hit areas. “F-16 fighters have sentimental value for the nation and we can not think of overlooking our defence needs.” he observed.

Referring to the issuance of passports to the Sharif family, Sheikh Rashid said the government had given a green signal to the Saudi government the but the family had to complete documentation needed in this regard.

In addition to the donors conference, the PTV is also organizing a Tameer-e-Watan show in different countries where majority of Pakistani expatriates live to collect donations. Artistes will participate in the show without any remuneration while the entire proceeds from the shows will go to the President’s Relief Fund.

He said the government will ensure that the process of distribution of compensation among affected people were done in transparent and organized manner.