Jordan's Queen Rania visits Pakistan

Nov 1, 2005, 16:17 GMT

Jordan's Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited Pakistan on Saturday (29.10.05) to deliver relief supplies and show solidarity in the wake of the devastating earthquake.

The royal paid a visit to the earthquake-affected areas in Muzaffarabad and met with Begum Sehba Musharraf to discuss the ongoing relief operations. The Queen toured Abbas Hospital and a makeshift UNICEF tent, currently serving as a classroom, at the site where the Government Primary School for Girls once stood.

During her visit, Rania sent an urgent plea to the world calling for an acceleration of relief efforts for the people of Pakistan.

She said: "The extent of the devastation is really hard to imagine. Whole lives have been destroyed, villages and communities.

"The window of opportunity for extending a helping hand is closing. It is very urgent that we intensify efforts today to do whatever we can. It is a moral obligation."

Jordan was one of the first few countries to have sent relief assistance to Pakistan. Two planes carrying relief supplies and a 12-member rescue team arrived on October 10-11.

The relief supplies included tents, medicines, blankets and food items for the victims.

A day-long fund-raising telethon has been organised by the Hashemite Charity in Jordan for earthquake relief.

Copyright 2005 BANG Media International