Pakistani Consul General Aftab A. Khokher called on community members to donate money in aid of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Pakistan.

“Those who want to assist IDPs can send their donations to Prime Minister's Relief Fund through Pakistani bank branches,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference, Khokher urged Pakistani expatriates to assist those who have fled the fighting in North Waziristan due to the fighting between government troops and armed insurgent groups.

The consul general also informed attendees that the mission is working on expanding the consulate premises to make space for female nationals.

“Construction work to expand the hall is under progress. This will provide more space, especially for our female nations,” he said, adding that work on the new Pakistani Consulate building will begin soon.

The Pakistani government launched “Zarb e Azab” Operation — a ground offensive — against militant strongholds in North Waziristan on June 15. The operation began days after militants attacked the main airport of Karachi, killing 26 people.

Around 30,000 soldiers are involved in the operation, which has been described as a “comprehensive operation.” The offensive is aimed at flushing out foreign and local militants in North Waziristan.

The operation has received widespread support among Pakistani political, defense, and civil society circles. The two largest groups of Islamic clerics, the Pakistan Ulema Council and the Council of Islamic Ideology, declared a fatwa endorsing the operation, describing it as fight against terrorism.