At a community iftar organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan at Pakistan International School in Aziziyah district on Wednesday, about SR200,000 has been raised.
“Pakistan is passing through difficult times and we all have to remain united and face the challenges,” said Pakistan Ambassador and chief guest Umar Khan Alisherzai.
Meanwhile, a Saudi medical team arrived in Islamabad on Thursday to establish two mobile field hospitals ordered by the Saudi government to assist victims of the devastating floods, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Alisherzai thanked the international community in general and the Kingdom in particular for its immediate and generous assistance and assured that Pakistan as a nation and Pakistanis as a sensitive and emotional community will never forget the generosity, love and affection shown at this testing-time by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosque king Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan, the royal family and the individual contributions from Saudi businessmen.
Alisherzai thanked Pakistani expatriates for their solidarity with their brethren in Pakistan.
He said overseas Pakistanis have always helped their country in difficult times, adding that their donations for victims of the devastating earthquake in 2005 and participation in other campaigns were tremendous and commendable.
“Whatever we are today is due to Pakistan. Once again, you need to make a sacrifice for the country. Overseas Pakistanis have never disappointed their countrymen and this time too you are expected to play your role,” Alisherzai said.
The ambassador said providing shelter was the first stage of the relief operation, while rehabilitation was the second stage, which would take longer.
He added that the government needed the support of overseas Pakistanis and the international community. He assured them that there would be full transparency when distributing their donations.
Earlier, Consul General Abdul Salik Khan said the local community’s response to the call for help was encouraging.
He appreciated their efforts and also assured donors that their money would go straight to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. “All your donations will be spent in a transparent way, as there is a strong accountability system operating in Pakistan.”
"We have constituted a special committee to look after it and making all efforts to ensure utmost transparency and accountability so that the fund raised are sent to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund which is the nodal body for relief and rehabilitation of flood victims," Khan said.
The community also applauded the efforts of the embassy and the consulate for organizing the fund-raising iftar.
Amir Mohammed Khan, an active social worker, said, "This is the right way to raise fund. Whatever is raised will reach directly to PM's Relief Fund and there is no doubt in any one's mind. People wanted to contribute but there was no such platform; now they have it and I hope more and more people will come forward to support this human cause.”
