ISLAMABAD, Nov 20: Pakistan has made arrangements to immediately dispatch relief goods to Bangladesh to help it cope with the devastation caused by the recent cyclone. “In this hour of grave tragedy for the people of Bangladesh, the Government of Pakistan, under the directives of President Musharraf, is immediately sending relief goods, including medicines, blankets and food items for the affectees,” the Foreign Office announced on Tuesday.

“Two C-130s carrying relief items are being dispatched immediately; a ship carrying relief items will sail shortly; and on 23 Nov two more C-130s will leave for Dhaka carrying a 30 bed field hospital,” it said.

A statement issued by the Foreign Office spokesperson said National Disaster Management Authority chairman Lt Gen (retd) Farooq Ahmad Khan was in contact with the authorities concerned in Bangladesh to make the necessary arrangements.

“The people and the Government of Pakistan are deeply grieved over the devastation caused by the recent cyclone in Bangladesh leaving millions homeless and thousands dead,” the spokesperson said.—Q.A.