With thousands of quake victims desperately short of tents and blankets, Pakistan has lifted the ban on importing these items from India.

The step has been taken to meet shortage of these items, particularly for the earthquake affected, official APP news agency reported.

Import of tents and blankets from India were banned earlier. However, in view of the prevailing situation, Pakistan's ministry of commerce has allowed the import of blankets and tents as relief goods for earthquake victims via the Wagah border route.

India has sent several thousands of blankets and tents in the two consignments of relief goods it has dispatched so far.

Pakistan, which does not manufacture them, reportedly plans to buy them in large quantity from the open market.