PAKISTAN IS STILL SAFE FOR TOURISTS AND BUSINESSES

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Pakistan, which is in the midst of
battling Taliban insurgents in three of its northwest districts, is still safe
for tourists and businesses, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia Lt-Gen
(Rtd) Tahir M. Qazi said Wednesday.

He said only a small portion of Pakistan's northwest area was affected but
other districts, which included the capital city of Islamabad, were safe to
visit.

He said that except for in certain parts of the northwest provinces, it was
"perfectly safe to visit the country."

"Pakistan still offers wonderful tourism and business opportunities for
Malaysians," he told reporters after an interview with TraXXfm radio station at
Wisma Radio, Angkasapuri here.

Angkasapuri is the main governmental building for Malaysia's Ministry of
Information and it is also the headquarters for Radio Television Malaysia (RTM).

RTM is a Malaysian state-owned public broadcaster. It both owns and operates
a number of radio and television stations in Malaysia.

Tahir also appealed to Malaysians for cash donation to help the 2.5 million
people displaced in the military offensive against the Taliban launched in the
districts of Dir, Buner and Swat since April this year.


"All efforts and possible steps are being taken for their relief and
rehabilitation, with the active support of the public and donors. The government
would utilise all resources to facilitate the displaced persons," he said.

Tahir said that funds were needed to provide food, tents, clothings,
medicines and other basic needs for the displaced men, women and children.

"Pakistani nationals here and Malaysians in general can assist in the
rehabilitation and relief works by sending in donation to fund's Affin Bank
account number 2000 2062 4790," he said.

-- BERNAMA