Pakistan Economy Expected to Absorb Earthquake

Pakistan's economy is capable of absorbing the devastation caused by Saturday's magnitude 7.6 earthquake, the strongest in a century, because remote areas were the worst-affected. Pakistan expects growth of 7 percent this year as the government continues its effort to attract investment through privatization and liberalization. Pakistan's benchmark Karachi Stock Exchange has gained 32 percent since Jan. 1 compared with a 39 percent gain in 2004.