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The Congressional
Pakistan Caucus, with co-sponsorship of Pakistani-American
Leadership Center (PAL-C) held a special session on Thursday,
October 20th to address the earthquake in Pakistan and
U.S. assistance with relief efforts. The well attended
meeting brought together a dynamic cohort of leaders committed
to bringing relief to Pakistan. The meeting featured speeches
by members of the Caucus, Ambassador Jehangir Karamat,
Pakistani Senator Akbar Khawaja, State Department officials,
and distinguished legislative and community leaders.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas’ 18th district expressed
the sentiments of members of Congress, who on October 18th passed House
Resolution 492, mourning the loss of life caused by the earthquake, expressing
the condolences of the American people to the families of the victims,
and urging assistance to those affected. Jackson-Lee also recognized
the Pakistani-American community, whom she said had already mobilized
and sent substantial funds and supplies to Pakistan. Congressman Dennis
Moore from the third district of Kansas also expressed his appreciation
for the Pakistani-American community’s effort, underscoring the
efforts of Pakistani-Americans in Kansas.
Ambassador Jehangir Karamat addressed the current ground situation in
Pakistan, stating that the earthquake had already taken the lives of
at least 47,734 Pakistanis and caused unprecedented and widespread damage
on rural and urban communities alike. With at least 67,000 Pakistanis
injured and 3.3 million displaced from their homes, he articulated the
need for securing supplies to care for victims before the onset of the
harsh, Himalayan winter. The Ambassador also underscored the need for
more support for long-term relief efforts, which he said will require
serious infrastructure rebuilding efforts, five to ten years, and billions
of dollars.
Dr. Raza Bukhari, President of the Pakistani-American Public Affairs
Committee (PAK PAC), praised the Pakistani-American community for its
activism and demonstrated generosity. Dr. Bukhari emphasized Pakistan's
role as a strategic ally in the American led War on Terror and urged
members of the Congress to do their best to increase earthquake aid to
one billion of dollars.
Akbar Khawaja, a visiting Pakistani Senator who was in Islamabad during
the earthquake, also addressed the need for the U.S. to increase aid
and relief efforts, particularly through securing and sending more tents
for the 3.3 million Pakistanis displaced by the disaster. Distinguished
member of the Pakistani-American community, Hanif Akhtar emphasized the
importance of sustaining the energy of the relief effort.
Fauzia Tariq, representing the Pakistani-American Leadership Center (PAL-C),
addressed the Caucus, thanking Co-chairs Shelia Jackson Lee and Dan Burton
for their leadership and commitment, and expanding upon PAL-C's mission
to work with the Caucus as a liaison to the Pakistani-American community.
Nadia Naviwala, Founding Director of Rising Leaders, an organization
of young Pakistani-Americans, also addressed the Caucus. She updated
Caucus members on the $160,000.00 dollars collected by Rising Leaders
so far for the President’s Relief Fund, the highest of any Pakistani-American
group. Her remarks particularly focused on the need for continuing relations
with Congress and Caucus members, in order to encourage stronger aid
to Pakistan.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Thomas Callahan and Pakistan Desk officer
Steve Fagen at the U.S. Department of State, also briefed the Caucus
with figures on U.S. aid to Pakistan. Callahan acknowledged the difficulties
of the disaster, whose unprecedented magnitude deserves more American
media coverage than it currently receives. Callahan said that of the
$50 million pledged by the U.S. Government, U.S. AID has already provided
$17.4 million and is working expediently to provide the rest. Fagen expressed
the commitment of the U.S. Government to send additional helicopters
to Pakistan to aid in reaching remote areas. The Defense Department has
already sent twenty-one helicopters to Pakistan, which Fagen said have
completed 399 sorties. Mr. Fagen also stated that while the U.S. was
attempting to obtain more tents in a scarce market, it would begin planning
to provide alternative shelter options in addition to tents, such as
containers and corrugated iron roofs.
Representative Jackson-Lee expressed her particular concern for those
who have been orphaned by the earthquake and vowed to keep the particular
issue in her focus. Jackson-Lee also recognized Mohammad Sadiq, Deputy
Chief of Missions, whose work in relief coordination with the community
and Administration has been paramount in securing valuable supplies.
Congresswoman Jackson-Lee ended the meeting by urging ongoing and continuous
support by those present and setting follow-up meetings dates with Department
of State officials, members of the Caucus, and the Pakistani-American
community.
About PAL-C The Pakistani-American Leadership Center seeks to
serve the interests of the Pakistani American community in the United
States, to promote a positive image of Pakistan and Pakistani-Americans,
and to increase their effective participation in America's political
and public policy arenas. |
