The Chinese government and the Red Cross Society of China have donated 120,000 US dollars to Pakistan to help in its hectic relief efforts.

These are the first two donations coming from abroad since Pakistan has been devastated by floods and avalanches in the country.

On behalf of the Chinese government, Chinese ambassador Zhang Chunxiang transferred a check of 100,000 dollars to Pakistani Cabinet Secretary Ejaz Rahim in Islamabad on Tuesday morning.

At a brief handing over ceremony, Zhang said learning the sad news that heavy rains and snowfall in certain regions of Pakistan have caused heavy human and property losses, he would like to extend his deep sympathy and condolences to the affected people and the bereaved families.

He expressed belief that the people in the affected areas, under the leadership of the Pakistani government, will soon overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homes.

Rahim said the Pakistani government highly appreciates the goodwill of China, saying the donation is the first coming from abroad since Pakistan has been hit by continuous torrential rains and heavy snowfall in the past two weeks.

"China is always the first country to offer its help when Pakistan is in the hour of need and it is a country close to our hearts," he said.

Earlier Tuesday, on behalf of the Red Cross Society of China, the Chinese ambassador transferred a check of 20,000 dollars to Pakistan Red Crescent Society.

Jahan Dad Khan, chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society, said the donation again showed the traditional and tested friendship between the peoples of Pakistan and China.

Local reports say flash floods in southwestern Balochistan province and avalanches in other provinces and regions of Pakistan have to date claimed over 400 lives and left about 2,000 people still missing and tens of thousands of people homeless.

Source: Xinhua