Kingsley Hopes to Get Funds Released: Documentary on Quake Areas Ready

The Dawn

February 23, 2006

By Our Reporter

ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: Hollywood star Sir Ben Kingsley has expressed the hope that the documentary, prepared by him on the plight and needs of the quake-affected people, will help materialise the pledges made by the international community for reconstruction activities.

He was addressing a joint press conference with Chief Relief Commissioner Maj-Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan here on Wednesday following a six-day visit of the affected areas of MWFP and Azad Kashmir.

Kingsley said the documentary would be screened in the United States and other countries to create awareness and consciousness among the international community about the disaster. He was hopeful that the film would move the electorate who in turn would compel their governments to fulfil their pledges.

He said the devastating earthquake had infused among people a spirit of selflessness, bravery and courage. “We should work to create bridges of friendship and humanity among people wherever and whenever we can,” he stressed.

In reply to a question, he said enormous trust had been built between the victims and relief workers, particularly those belonging to NGOs as they had worked day and night selflessly to rehabilitate the people.

The film star said he had found among the affected great determination for their beloved country.

A representative of the Relief International NGO, Dr Salman, said on the occasion that his organization had adopted various villages in Bhogermang and Hilkot valley in the NWFP with a view to reconstructing those areas and generating employment opportunities.

He said that with the help of the documentary his organisation would make efforts to generate funds for the quake victims.

Chief Relief Commissioner Maj-Gen Farooq Ahmad Khan said that negotiations were under way through the foreign office and economic affairs division for early release of the pledged money.

He said that George Bush Senior, special representative of the UN secretary-general, was also making efforts to raise funds.