Boxer Khan makes quake aid appeal

Khan wants to keep the plight of the survivors in the headlines

British boxer Amir Khan is calling for more help for the survivors of October's South Asia earthquake.

"We all need to work together to give them as much help, care and time as they need to rebuild their homes and their lives," Khan, 19, said.

The 2004 Olympic silver medallist, from Bolton, was speaking after visiting relief camps near Muzaffarabad, in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

The quake left more than 70,000 people dead and about two million homeless.

'Glaring issue'

The fate of huge numbers of displaced people in the Kashmir region, who spent the winter in makeshift camps, remains a glaring issue, aid agency Oxfam International said, six months to the day after the quake struck.

It said the public response to the disaster had helped prevent major outbreaks of serious diseases.

When you look into people's eyes, you can see the pain Amir Khan Survivors 'still need aid'

But it said more support was now needed as thousands of people are moved from official camps to home areas as plans for rehabilitation and reconstruction are put into action.

Khan said: "These people have lived through a massive earthquake and survived a winter of snow and rain camped in tents next to the Himalayas.

"When you look into people's eyes, you can see the pain. They need more help from the government.

"We also need the eyes of the world to stay on them - that is why I came here."

Khan, whose career has been closely followed in Pakistan since he turned professional, has helped the aid effort by auctioning his boxing gloves and running a half-marathon.

He said: "We will be doing more because the people need our support.

"We have made a lot of progress - but there is still a lot to do."