Political boundaries have all but vanished as countless pledges for aid have come pouring from nations across the globe in the wake of Saturday's devastating earthquake in South Asia.
The quake, which hit Pakistan hardest with a magnitude of 7.6 on the Richter scale, has so far cost the lives of an expected 20,000 victims; some believe the final death toll will near 30,000. Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf pleaded for assistance from the international community to help his devastated country cope with what is considered the nation's worst natural disaster.
In a show of global compassion, numerous countries around the world have put aside political differences and their own financial stress to offer help.
Afghanistan, impoverished and itself a victim of the quake with several reported deaths, immediately pledged its support and said it would send helicopters, medical teams and two tons of medicine to Pakistan. “The people of Pakistan assisted the Afghan people during the Soviet invasion, they provided all possible assistance,” an Afghan spokesman told AFP.
A representative from Bangladesh, one of the world's poorest countries, told reporters that "Bangladesh is ready to offer rescue and relief operations at calls from the earthquake-hit countries after implementing initial estimate on the losses caused by the disaster," according to the People's Daily.
Neighboring India, also hit by the quake, offered its support despite the fact of having fought three wars with Pakistan and remaining at bitter political odds with it.
Israel, for its part, put political differences aside and has also pledged assistance to Pakistan despite having no political relations with the Muslim country. Israel reportedly sent a message to Pakistan through "official channels" and the United Nations, according to a senior Israeli government official.
Turkey, another nation that has suffered the wrath of earthquakes and has warm ties with Pakistan, pledged its support this weekend, sending military planes, medical staff and rescue teams to help victims.
Saudi King Abdullah also dispatched teams of rescue workers and supplies to Pakistan this weekend, announcing in a royal decree, "God protect the Islamic republic of Pakistan and its brotherly people from all harm," according to Reuters.
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan has also pledged the support of the UAE, dispatching humanitarian aid on Sunday to hard-hit areas. Qatar as well will be part of the rescue team, according to Saudi news agency SPA.
Countless other nation's have pledged their support in an unprecedented show of international support, including China, Australia, Japan, Russia and the United States, Malaysia and France.
