ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia on Friday announced the provision of US $ 100 million to Pakistan as assistance for relief efforts being carried out in the earthquake affected areas of Balochistan. The Finance Minister of Saudi Arabia, Ibrahim Al-Assaf, called up Advisor of Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tarin and conveyed him about Saudi King Shah Abdullah's decision to give $ 100 million as the earthquake victims' rehabilitation assistance, an official revealed here. The official further told the relief and rehabilitation assistance amount would be available on immediate basis. The financial aid announced by Riyadh came days before President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to Saudi Arabia on November 4 and 5 during which he would seek oil supply on deferred payment and assistance from the kingdom to overcome the current financial crisis. The Saudi Finance Minister expressed profound grief over the loss of precious lives and on behalf of his government, he commiserated with bereaved families while resolving to extend all possible support to the victims.  According to the official, he said the Saudi government would also help Pakistan in providing health facilities and other necessities to the thousands of the people rendered homeless by the earthquake. Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance thanked his Saudi counterpart on the behalf of the government of Pakistan.