ISLAMABAD: United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on Thursday appealed to the world community to contribute generously towards reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the earthquake-hit areas of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and North West Frontier Province (NWFP).

Mr. Annan, who arrived here on a three-day visit to attend the November 19 International Donors Conference convened by Pakistan to raise funds for the quake affected, told journalists at the Chaklala air base that more resources were needed not just for emergency but also for recovery and reconstruction.

According to the projections by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank $5.2 billion was required to undertake the reconstruction and rehabilitation work.

So far the world community has made pledges to the tune of $2.4 billion to Pakistan. However, the actually cash flows are less than $300 million. The U.N., in response to its flash appeal of October 26 for $550 million, has received $119 million, as well as additional $40 million in pledges. Pakistan intends to raise substantial funds from the international community through the November 19 conference. High-level delegations from 70-odd countries, including India, are expected to participate. Minister of State for External Affairs E. Ahamed is leading the Indian contingent.

At a news conference with Pakistan-based foreign journalists on Wednesday Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf expressed disappointment over the quantum of aid pledged by the world community and urged them to be as generous as they were in the case of the tsunami.

More deaths

The U.N. Secretary General said many more lives could have been saved after the earthquake, had the U.N. received all the resources and there were no logistic challenges in rushing relief to the inaccessible areas.

"Some of the people that died may have been saved ... but we need much, much more to be able to help the people in need," Mr. Annan said. He is scheduled to tour some of the quake-hit areas on Friday.

Officially over 73,000 people have been killed and an equal number of people have been seriously injured. With the onset of winter and an estimated 3.3 million rendered homeless, there are fears of a second wave of deaths caused by cold and disease. There are reports of outbreaks of acute diarrhoea in some camps.

"For those who have the capacity to be generous, to give, and give willingly and I am not only speaking to the governments, but also to the private sector and individuals," Mr. Annan said.

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