ISLAMABAD, Nov 30: Unicef Executive Director Carol Bellamy arrived here on a five-day visit to Pakistan and Afghanistan.

She will also stop in Quetta and Peshawar. She will fly to Kabul on Saturday.

Briefing the press about the purpose of her visit, she said she wanted to survey the conditions facing millions of children in a region stricken by drought, displacement, disease and conflict.

“With winter arriving in Afghanistan at the same time as a new set of political circumstances come into view, this is a crucial time,” said Ms Bellamy.

“As we plan for the reconstruction of this country’s education system, healthcare network, and other basic services for children, we cannot forget the immediate needs that must be met over the next difficult months.”

In Kabul she will visit home-based schools set up for girls and boys since 1996, non-formal education classes for adolescent women, Malalai hospital focusing on maternity and paediatrics where 40 babies are born a day, and landmine awareness clinic for children.

On Monday Ms Bellamy will meet President Gen Pervez Musharraf. She will visit the Kotkai camp in Peshawar the same day.

She will visit Qetta on Tuesday and meet the Unicef staff, Health Minister Abdul Malik Kasi and Health Secretary Ejaz Rahim.—APP