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U.S. diplomat, CEOs bring aid to Pakistan
RELATEDSPECIAL REPORTYOUR E-MAIL ALERTSISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- A top official in the Bush administration visited some of the areas of Pakistan hit hardest by last month's earthquake on Monday, a trip she said would "show the true nature of America." U.S. Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes delivered books and toys to girls in a makeshift tent school in Muzzafarabad and presented winter sheeting to residents living in a tent village set up for those left homeless by the quake. The quake, which struck October 8, killed more than 73,000 and injured more than 70,000 others. Millions are homeless. Hughes told reporters earlier that she was worried the American people, weary from U.S. suffering after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not understand the situation in Pakistan. "It is important for us to share with the American people what we see and bring back a tangible sense of the disaster," she said. Hughes, a close confidante of President Bush, said he asked her to lead the delegation to show his personal commitment to the people of Pakistan. The U.S. delegation, which includes several CEOs of major corporations, also met with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf and Pakistani business leaders in an effort to assess what additional help is needed. Hughes called Pakistan one of America's "most loyal partners in the war on terror." "It's important to be there for a friend," she said. With winter coming within weeks to the remote, mountainous regions of Pakistan, thousands more could die if they are unable get food and shelter before snow makes the area unreachable. While Hughes called her trip a humanitarian mission, she said, "It is an important reminder of how America can take the lead in generosity in times of need." The Bush administration also hopes images of U.S. doctors treating Muslim patients and helicopters delivering food and medicine to devastated areas will improve America's tarnished image among many Muslims, whose view of America is focused on the invasion of Iraq and abuse of detainees suspected of terrorism. The American efforts mark the first U.S. assistance programs in the disputed territory of Kashmir. U.S. officials have said it is an important opportunity to help develop the remote region, considered one of the poorest areas in Asia. "Pakistan will get to see the U.S. can help, that we are not just here to prop up the president of the military," one senior official said. "We are going to be here a while, not just for the relief efforts but the message we are sending is that if we are welcome, you can count on us." CNN's Elise Labott contributed to this report. 
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