University staff and students in Bradford have a role to play in rebuilding the communities of Kashmir devastated by the South Asian earthquake, according to a charity boss.

But their efforts will have to be carefully planned and they must wait until the time is right, she said.

Baroness Emma Nicholson, founder of the AMAR International Charitable Foundation, said people in tertiary education would not be able to visit the area at the moment because it was too difficult and dangerous.

But, speaking in a public lecture at the University of Bradford, the MEP and former Conservative party vice-chairman said she was sure a lot could be done in the near future.

Baroness Nicholson said: "They are desperate for thinking, for intellectual stimulus and assistance. A lot could be done, but you need the situation to settle.

"Planning is the key. You have to choose where, then you can make a lot of difference over a period of time. It takes commitment and you have to go on with it."

The AMAR charity has a team of health workers, including a husband and wife physician and midwife, and sanitation engineers in Kashmir, helping to rebuild people's lives following last October's earthquake which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale.

The disaster affected an area bigger than Ireland. More than 70,000 people died, a similar number were injured and nearly three million were left homeless.

AMAR workers are based at a health centre in Muzaffar-abad, caring for between 80 and 100 traumatised quake survivors a day. Some are in the late stages of pregnancy. The team also deliver babies, provide post-natal care and immunise children.

Baroness Nicholson said the earthquake was the most devastating natural disaster in Pakistan's history and made them feel completely inadequate. But she said she was impressed by the tremendous human response to the tragedy.

She said: "We are working in complex emergency situations. We hope we can bring reductions in poverty. The people of Kashmir deserve no less. They have lost everything. They should be given back, with both hands, all they have lost."

Baroness Nicholson said the charity would be there for the long haul. "We plan to work in Kashmir for at least ten years and expand our medical team," she said.

Other proposals, including a number of primary centres linked to the main health centre, would cost an estimated £700,000.

She said Bradford had a tradition of being a leading light in developing and emerging places, with peace building and social justice a part of the programme of reconstruction and restoration. "That is a hallmark of the city of Bradford."

And she said the appointment of Imran Khan as the university's chancellor further strengthened its links with the Kashmiri region and a greater understanding of what was happening in that part of the world and beyond.

Last night's public lecture, organised by the Department of Peace Studies, was the first major event in celebrating the 40th anniversary of the signing of the university's charter.

l Donations are continuing to come in to the Telegraph & Argus earthquake appeal.

One of the latest additions to the fund has come from staff at the department of regeneration and housing at Bradford Council.

A cheque for £67.26 was sent in after two members of staff took part in a sponsored fast to raise money for the earthquake appeal.