RIYADH, 28 October 2005 — The Saudi capital is still witnessing hectic activity as many private companies and Pakistani expatriate groups mount efforts to provide relief to the quake victims of Pakistan. A Saudi medical company, Medilink Healthcare, will send a team of medical doctors to Pakistan within the next few days, while some social and cultural forums of Pakistani workers have intensified efforts to send more relief supplies.
Referring to the visit of doctors of different specialties to the quake-hit areas, Dr. Amjad H. Rana, Medilink’s CEO, said the doctors would work in close association with other Saudi relief agencies. “The doctors’ team will also carry important medicines and surgical equipment required at the remote sites,” said Dr. Rana.
Those who wqnt to donate medicines and surgical equipment may contact on telephone 01-4621255 or 4621054.
Referring to the initiatives taken by the social forums of Pakistani expatriates, Faiz Al-Najdi, a member of the Riyadh-based Pakistan Writers’ Club (PWC), said the PWC was working in cooperation with the Pakistan Embassy to send relief supplies. “Contact-Pakistan, a community-based web magazine, also made an appeal to all Pakistanis to come forward and extend help in the crisis,” said Faiz, in a statement yesterday.
He said that the PWC in association with Pakistan Awami Forum (PAF) embarked on a plan immediately after the quake to mobilize community and seek their support. “A poster campaign was launched immediately to send a message across the community seeking their support,” he said. This also led to the establishment of a relief camp near Coco Palm Restaurant, for which the restaurant’s management provided all logistics.
Referring to donations given by people, he said many Indians, Bangladeshis and Sri Lankans also turned up in large numbers at the relief camp.
He pointed out that more than 50 tons of blankets, quilts, tents, medicines, warm clothes and dry eatables had already been collected. The camp was also visited by Pakistani Ambassador Abdul Aziz Mirza, who appreciated the work done by the PWC volunteers.
He said that the PWC and the PAF had sought the help of Pakistani national carrier PIA and the Saudi Red Crescent Society to airlift the relief supplies. “In fact, PIA and Saudi Red Crescent Society have already pledged to provide all logistics for airlifting the relief goods to Pakistan for distribution,” said Faiz, while also applauding the efforts of the government and the people of Saudi Arabia for their massive support.
