A vote of thanks to friends of Pakistan

 

You must have seen the tragic images of flood victims on your screens or in the newspapers. Over 1600 people have lost lives, many hundred suffered minor to grievous injuries while 15 million people have been directly affected. The damage to infrastructure in the flood hit areas is being estimated but it runs into billions of dollars. Approximately, over eight hundred thousand houses have been badly damaged while damage to roads and other infrastructure is still being calculated.

 

This is not the first time that Pakistan is facing a tragedy of monumental proportions. In 2005, a massive earthquake devastated 25000 square kilometre of the country with over one hundred thousand deaths and damage to almost three hundred thousand houses and other infrastructure. Similarly, last year’s military operation against extremists and terrorists resulted in temporary displacement of over 3 million people.

 

However, this time floods have surpassed previous tragedies in terms of material losses. According to the UN estimates, these losses are far greater than the Asian Tsunami witnessed a few years ago. For Government of Pakistan, the immediate concern is safety of the people and provision of shelter and food to them. Simultaneously, the government is working to prevent epidemics caused by floods.

 

The United Kingdom is the leading contributor of aid to the flood victims in Pakistan. During President Zardari’s visit to UK, the British Government announced £31.3 million assistance out of which £10 million have been allocated for immediate relief and another £10 million for bridge reconstruction programme.

 

The UK’s numerous charity organizations are also active in providing relief to the flood victims in Pakistan. The UK’s largest charity organization, Disaster Emergence Committee (DEC), has collected £9.5 million in cash and kind while its 13 affiliate organizations are already on the ground in flood hit areas of Pakistan. A number of UK-based Islamic charities are actively working for the provision of relief to the affected people in Pakistan. 

 

I am touched by the humane gesture of the British people across the country for making generous contributions for the flood affected people in Pakistan. The British political leadership have come forward in launching a passionate appeal for the flood victims of Pakistan. Their gesture of generosity has been deeply appreciated by the people and government of Pakistan. More so, the British print and electronic media have been in the forefront in highlighting the plight of flood victims in Pakistan. Their contribution in sensitising the public opinion is not only laudatory but has galvanized the international community to help the Government of Pakistan to overcome the challenges posed by the natural calamity.

 

I am aware of the pain felt by the British Pakistanis for their brothers and sisters in Pakistan. This is reflected in their generosity whenever the country is faced with challenges such as the one faced now by their compatriots. I know that British Pakistanis have started collecting donations in cash and kind for their countrymen. The local TV and radio stations are also contributing through their time for the charity appeals launched by various charity organizations. They are channelizing these donations through the government, NGOs and different charities. The country is proud of them. The whole nation is indebted to them.

 

I would like to appeal to the friends of Pakistan to monitor the website of the National Disaster Management Authority www.ndma.gov.pk which give updated information about the flood situation and the requirements of the affected people. In this regard Pakistan High Commission London’s website (www.phclondon.org) could be consulted or my colleagues would be available to guide our friends who want to make their contribution for the needy flood victims.

 

On the directive of Prime Minister of Pakistan the High Commission has opened a bank account for the flood victims details of which are as follows:

 

Title of Account:	Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010
Sort Code:	60-91-70
Account No.	02253201
Bank:	United National Bank

 

I am confident that our friends in the United Kingdom will come forward and lend their whole hog support to the flood victims.

 

 

Yours Sincerely,

 

 

(Wajid Shamsul Hasan)

 

 

Last updated: August 13, 2010