October 21, 2005
by Kevin Caruso
Although NATO is not a humanitarian organization, the urgent need for assistance in the aftermath of the devastating Pakistan earthquake has compelled NATO officials to send 1,000 military engineers, medics, and other troops to assist with the relief efforts in Pakistan.
"Pakistan needs more help and today NATO agreed to do more," NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said. “It is unprecedented. NATO is not a humanitarian relief organization, but the situation is so serious."
NATO’s response came after U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan pleaded for a stronger international response, and specifically asked NATO for help.
