Taking serious note of extremist outfits carrying out quake relief operations, the United States on Monday asked Pakistani government to seek the help of non governmental organisations for speeding up the activities in the affected areas.

'The quake has strengthened jehad'

US ambassador to Pakistan Rian C Crocker, who expressed concern over relief activities of banned 'Jehadi' organizations, also pointed out that 'Jamaat Dawa' is the new name of Lashkar-e-Tayiba, the Pakistan-based terror outfit behind the recent New Delhi blasts and the 2001, December 13 attack on Indian Parliament.

The government should not allow these organizations to carry out relief activities in these areas, Crocker said, according to private GEO television.

"Instead, the government should seek the help of NGOs for speeding up relief activities," he said.  

The ambassador appreciated the relief operations conducted by the Pakistan Army.  

He said US helicopters will perform relief operation duties throughout the winter season and added that they had been mandated for it.

Crocker hoped that the international community will continue to help Pakistan for mitigating the agonies of quake-affected people.

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