Thursday, November 17 2005 19:10 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India today (Nov 17, 2005) dispatched the third relief train to Pakistan carrying 600 tonnes of relief material, including tents, sleeping bags, blankets and medicines.

The train carrying relief material for quake victims of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) will go via the Attari-Wagah border.

Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed will be going to Pakistan tomorrow (Nov 18, 2005) to represent India at the international conference being held by Pakistan to request funding for the long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction of quake affected victims.

India has pledged USD 25 million to Pakistan at the International Donors Conference in Geneva on October 26.

The 27-wagon load of aid consignment sent today includes medical equipment, including injections such as Pethidine for pain and x-ray machines.

With this consignment, the total amount of aid sent by India will go up to 1300 tonnes. Earlier, relief goods weighing about 300 tonnes were sent in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, which was followed by a consignment of 400 tonnes.

Apart from official support by the Indian Government, several private organisations have sent relief material to Pakistan.

The Pakistan High Commission here has also been permitted to source supplies of relief material from India.