NO MALAYSIANS TRAPPED IN PAKISTAN WAR ZONE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- No Malaysians are trapped in the Swat
Valley region in Pakistan where an intense military offensive was being carried
out against the Taliban, Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia Lt-Gen (Rtd)
Tahir M. Qazi said Thursday.

He told Bernama that the Pakistani military was mindful and ensured that no
foreigners were stranded in the area, which is a popular tourist destination.

Tahir said the offensive was confined to the northern region of the country
and that the rest of Pakistan was safe and business in those areas was as usual.

He said that so far about two million locals had been displaced as a result
of the conflict.

Tahir said the offensive was similar to the one experienced by Malaysia
between 1948 and 1960 when it fought the communist insurgency.


He said the Pakistani government had set up the "Prime Minister's Special
Fund for the Victims of Terrorism" within an initial donation of two billion
Pakistani Rupees(about US$25 million).

He said the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the area
would cost around US$600 million.

Tahir explained that the Pakistani government was determined to rid the
region of the Taliban who were causing much discontentment among the people in
the area.

He appealed to Malaysians for cash donations to help the victims who needed
clothings, medicine, fuel, water bowzers, containerised latrines and washrooms.

Donations can be sent directly to Affin Bank account number 2000 2062 4790.

-- BERNAMA