Kofi Annan, the United Nation?s secretary-general, on Friday night warned of a ?gigantic task?? for large scale recovery following last month?s earthquake in northern Pakistan as he chided global donors for their poor response to the country?s needs ahead of today?s donors conference in Islamabad.

?I think there is no doubt that donors? response has been weak and tardy,? he said after returning to Islamabad from a day-long trip to areas in Kashmir under Pakistan?s control and parts of the northern region. ?When the tsunami struck at the 10-day point, we have 80 per cent of the money weneeded. In the case of Pakistan, at the 10-day point we had 12 per cent. Today, we have 30 per cent.?