27/09/2013 09:00
Pakistan appeals to militants over earthquake
Officials in Pakistan have made an appeal to separatist militant groups in the south-western province affected by the deadly earthquake to halt attacks, the BBC reported.
A spokesman for the Balochistan regional government said insurgent attacks were hampering rescue and relief efforts in some districts.
At least 348 people died and hundreds were injured when a 7.7-magnitude quake hit the region on Tuesday.
Rescue teams are still trying to reach affected areas.
The government said that official rescue teams have not been able to reach many affected areas because of poor road networks, says the BBC's Shahzeb Jillani, in Quetta.
Officials estimate that about 300,000 people in six districts have been affected by the earthquake. Survivors need more provisions like food and water and there is also a lack of doctors and medical supplies.
Pakistan's official paramilitary force, the Frontier Corps, has been leading rescue and relief operations.