KATHMANDU - Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu has refused media reports that some food items, sent by Islamabad as relief aid to Nepal, contained cow meat.
This is out-rightly untrue as the facts are different, said the embassy. "Pakistan is fully aware of sensitivities of our Hindu brethren in Nepal, who are passing through a very difficult time. While we stand by our Nepali brothers and sisters, we in Pakistan respect all religions and can never imagine showing disrespect towards their beliefs and values," it said.
Pakistan was one of the first countries in the world to respond to the earthquake disaster in Nepal and immediately transported relief and medical assistance to the country, the embassy said, adding that their assistance contained food bags in which the contents are clearly mentioned. "In each food bag there are 22 small packs which contain a variety of food, which may be consumed for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The beef used in food is that of the buffalo and not of the cow. Moreover, any one preferring not to eat meat may set aside the food pack."
The embassy said authorities in Nepal understand the position of Pakistan and have strongly appreciated the assistance being rendered to Nepali brothers and sisters. It said Pakistan will continue to stand by Nepal in this hour of need and continue to focus on providing whatever assistance is required.