ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Chief Relief Commissioner Maj-Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan says army formations in the quake-hit areas have a seven-day ration in order to meet any emergency.

He was talking to an eight-member delegation of documentary producers and artists led by Sir Ben Kingsley that called on him here on Thursday.

Mr Farooq urged the international community to materialise the $6.5 billion pledges of aid.

He briefed the delegation about the relief and rehabilitation activities being carried out in the quake-affected areas. “Americans, Iranians, Cubans and the people of many nationalities are working together which testifies the fact that humanity transcends all boundaries,” he said.

He informed the delegation that Rs19.433 billion had been distributed as compensation in the quake-hit areas of Azad Kashmir and NWFP. As of today, 349,008 one-room transition shelters have been constructed, while 39,482 more shelters are under construction, he added.

Sir Ben informed Gen Farooq that after visiting the quake-hit areas, his team was impressed with the resilience of the people in those areas who were now looking to the future. He said catastrophes brought no blessings but threw challenges and Pakistan was facing these challenges in an organized manner.