Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Riaz Muhammad has expressed thanks for Chinese relief aid after the October 8 earthquake.

Meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Chunxiang in Islamabad on Tuesday, Muhammad said that the Chinese relief team was the first foreign team to start rescue work in the northern Pakistani city of Balacot, which was the most affected area by the strong earthquake.

Because of their prompt response, Muhammad said, the Chinese team saved three people in Balacot and treated 591 cases since October 10, adding that the Chinese government has donated tents, blankets, medicine and cash totaling US$6.2 million, which Pakistan needed in deed after the earthquake.

Zhang said that the Chinese government took swift action to provide relief aid to Pakistan and that the Chinese relief team arrived in Pakistan right after the strong earthquake. Up to now, China has provided 30,000 tents and 150,000 blankets to Pakistan, he added.

Furthermore, Zhang said, the Chinese people had volunteered to donate money to the Pakistanis.

On behalf of the Chinese embassy to Pakistan and the Chinese companies in Pakistan, the Chinese ambassador delivered a check of cash worth 7 million rupees (about US$120,000) to the Pakistani foreign secretary.

Meanwhile, two Chinese companies have promised about US$600,000 of cash and equipment to Pakistan.

(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2005)