Emirates joins relief efforts for Pakistan

The relief supplies - tents, blankets and medicines - were received from the Pakistani Consulate and the Joint Committee of Relief for various Pakistani associations in Dubai and sent to Islamabad on Emirates SkyCargo's Boeing 747-400F freighter.

Nabil Sultan, Emirates' Senior Vice President West Asia and Indian Ocean said: "At Emirates, we are appalled at the scale of the tragedy in Pakistan, a nation with which we share a warm relationship and to which we offer extensive services. Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all the families, both here in Dubai and in Pakistan, who have lost their loved ones in this disaster."

The Emirates SkyCargo freighter, which was diverted from its commercial operations in the Far East, left at 15:00 hours and is expected to reach Islamabad at 19:00 hours local time.

Tanvir Khawaja, Chief Coordinator of Joint Committee for Relief said: "We are extremely thankful to Emirates for their generous gesture and timely offer, especially as we are sending medicines which are urgently required in Pakistan. We are delighted that Emirates reacted immediately and positively on receiving our request."

Earlier in the week, Emirates SkyCargo urgently transported 2,500 blankets in its weekly Airbus A310-300F to Islamabad. The cargo division is working with local relief agencies to utilize its seven freighters as charters for sending aid to Pakistan. Emirates also has been transporting aid on behalf of the French and British governments, international relief agencies and charity organizations in its 36 weekly flights to Pakistan - five flights to Islamabad, 25 to Karachi, four to Lahore and two to Peshawar.