ISLAMABAD: A consignment of winter clothing for women and children, donated by All China Women's Federation, was handed over by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China to the Ministry of Women's Development Tuesday morning.

 

"It's a gift of love from our time-tested friends," said Adviser to the Prime Minister on Women's Development Nilofer Bakhtiar. She was addressing donor friends from the Embassy of China in Islamabad, quake-affected children, volunteers and media persons at Nusrat Hostel, a facility for working women.

 

The winter clothing and other items donated by the All China Women's Federation are timely and according to our requirements, she said. She said that the ACWF shares a strong bond with the women of Pakistan and was among organisations that took a lead in providing need-based assistance for earthquake survivors.

 

The cultural counsellor of the People's Republic of China endorsed the effort put in by the ACWF members. He said that the people of his country had an enormous concern for the quake survivors in Pakistan, the harsh winter conditions of the mountainous terrain and the large number of affected women and children. He said that winter clothing for Pakistani women have been tailored in Chinese factories in accordance with specific design and colour.

 

Woollen clothes for women and children packed in 265 cartons which arrived last week include 3,000 coats for women and 2,000 scarves and caps for children. Relief goods include blankets, cotton covers and shoes. The consignment will be immediately dispatched to the forward areas by the Ministry of Women's Development and Crisis Centre volunteers.

 

The cultural counsellor assisted quake-affected children in wearing warm and colourful Chinese caps and scarves and looked pleased as they responded with a loud and excited 'thank you'. (The News)