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

Islamabad: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today (Nov 17, 2005) appealed to the world community to make generous contributions for the victims of the devastating October 8 earthquake in Pakistan and PoK.

"What happened here is something that the world could not have imagined. We tried to mobilise as much resources as possible from around the world," said Annan, who arrived here today on a three-day visit to review quake relief efforts and attend an international donors' conference on November 19.

"We have received response but we need much more to be able to help the people. We need more resources for recovery and reconstruction," he said.

The UN Secretary General said that "I hope as we rebuild, we are going to rebuild better houses, not what was there before but build it in a manner that can withstand, God forbid another disaster and I would expect the world to give generously."

Pakistan Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri, who received Annan and his wife upon arrival here, praised the leadership role played by the UN chief in helping Pakistan mobilise international community's support in reconstruction of quake-hit Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and North West Frontier Province where over 73,000 people were killed and 1.2 lakh injured.

The donors' conference convened by President Pervez Musharraf aims at getting 5.2 billion dollars funding for reconstruction of the quake-hit areas. India along with 70 other countries has been invited to take part in the meeting.

During his three-day stay here, Annan would visit the quake-hit areas to review the relief and rehabilitation activities by UN agencies. He is also scheduled to hold talks with Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Kasuri on the quake relief efforts.

"The current priority of the United Nations and other humanitarian organisations is to reduce the risk of thousands more deaths from cold, disease and hunger," a UN statement announcing the arrival of Annan said.

Soon after the earthquake, the UN launched a 'flash appeal' for around 550 million dollars for six months. The UN says it has so far received only 119 million dollars.

Pakistan has said it received pledges to the tune of 2.4 billion dollars and appealed for more aid. India has pledged 25 million dollars.