ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: President General Pervez Musharraf on Sunday appealed to the masses to donate generously in his relief fund for the tsunami victims to enable the government to continue its relief effort.

Talking to a private TV channel by telephone, he said Pakistan was doing its utmost to help rehabilitate the tsunami victims. He added that the Muslim Ummah was also expected to come forward and join the rescue operation being carried out vigorously.

The president appreciated the efforts of all organizations and individuals who were collecting donations for those struck by the tsunami disaster. He urged countries affected by the tragedy to set up early warning system to avoid recurrence of the disaster.

"This disaster is an eye-opener for the whole world. In addition to establishing early warning system, the reaction capabilities should also be developed to effectively rescue people in the future," he added.

The president praised the efforts of two Pakistan Navy ships who participated in the relief operation for six days immediately after the tsunami stuck the Maldives. Several hundred people were rescued by the PNS Tariq and PNS Badar of the Pakistan Navy. They also provided relief goods to the people of Maldives, he added. -APP