ISLAMABAD, Feb 21: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has said the visit by renowned actor Sir Ben Kingsley to Pakistan would help focus world attention to the continued need for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in the quake-affected areas of the AJK and NWFP.

The prime minister was talking to Sir Kingsley who called on him at the prime minister house on Tuesday. Mr Aziz said that the International Relief, the agency that Sir Kingsley represents, did a wonderful job in providing relief to the earthquake victims.

He said no government could handle a disaster of this scale by itself and the role played by Pakistani and international NGOs, the international community and the UN agencies would remain etched in their memories for a long time.

He said although the earthquake brought untold destruction and loss of life, it also brought out the best in their people who showed a rare sense of caring, sharing and volunteerism.

Sir Kingsley assured the prime minister that he would join the government’s efforts to raise more funds for the affected people. He complimented the government’s efforts in handling the aftermath of the earthquake with tremendous efficiency and compassion.—APP

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