Pakistan offered earthquake aid

More than 3,000 are feared dead and thousands have been hurt

Pakistan has begun to receive offers of financial aid and emergency assistance in the aftermath of the powerful earthquake that struck on Saturday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz appealed for financial help and rescue workers to free people from the rubble.

A number of European countries, as well as the European Union, the United Nations and the United States, have offered immediate assistance.

India, which was also affected by the earthquake, has offered its help too.

"While parts of India have also suffered from this unexpected natural disaster, we are prepared to extend any assistance with rescue and relief which you may deem appropriate, " Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.

Immediate offers

The UN team is sending a team of workers to Islamabad to set up a "coordination and evaluation team" for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The European Union has offered Pakistan emergency aid and funds saying it could release money immediately if needed.

The UK has announced an initial aid package of $177,000 and a 60-strong medical and rescue team.

We stand ready to provide additional assistance as needed US President George Bush

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said the aid was an initial allocation, which could be boosted if necessary.

The US has promised $100,000.

"Our initial deployments of assistance are underway, and we stand ready to provide additional assistance as needed," President George W Bush said.

The French government said it was sending a 25-member emergency rescue team along with sniffer dogs.

Turkey, which has suffered major earthquakes in the past, said it had sent two military planes carrying aid, doctors and rescue workers.

The Irish government pledged one million euros ($1.2m) to assist with immediate needs such as food, shelter and other basic requirements.

A number of other countries including Germany and Greece have also offered help.