Britain pledges £70m aid to Pakistan
The UK has pledged £70 million to Pakistan to help in post-earthquake reconstruction, international development secretary Hilary Benn announced today.
The money, to be formally offered this weekend at a high-level aid conference in Islamabad, will be paid out over three years and will be used to help in the rebuilding of quake-affected areas.
International development minister Gareth Thomas said: “Round-the-clock relief work continues as winter sets in and we try to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
“But we must also help Pakistan begin to rebuild the schools, hospitals and homes which were destroyed by the quake.
“We will continue to monitor needs as they arise and respond as part of the international community.”
The new pledge brings the amount Britain has offered to Pakistan since the earthquake to more than £100 million.
