Prominent UAE based Pakistani and Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Ambassador Javed Malik on Tuesday said that efforts are being made to raise awareness about the plight of IDPs among Overseas Pakistanis based in UAE and Gulf region as well Friends of Pakistan from Arab and international communities are responding positively towards supporting the internally displaced persons.
Speaking about the efforts, Ambassador Javed Malik said that, "just like citizens inside Pakistan, the Overseas Pakistanis equally love and care for their country of origin and have always stood by our brethren in the time of need". He said that "We are working in UAE and the Gulf region to raise awareness about the plight of IDPs and the response has been very positive. Overseas Pakistanis the Friends of Pakistan have joined hands to extend humanitarian aid directly to the people of Pakistan. He said their campaign is aimed at raising awareness about the issue and they will not be collecting any funds themselves.
"it has been decided that either items of need such as rice, flour, powdered milk and/or blankets will be sent in shape of care packages, or if anyone wants to give a cash donation than this will be only done in the official account in Pakistan that has been designated by the government of Pakistan". "This is because we want to ensure transparency, he added.
He paid rich tributes of appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi who has already issued special directives to extend assistance to Pakistan and UAE Project to Assist Pakistan has already confirmed that they will be dispatching the first consignment of Aid for the Internally displaced persons in Pakistan.
According to UAE Project to Assist Pakistan more than 3000 tonnes food baskets will be distributed among the IDPs which contains basic essentials like flour, rice, sugar, lentils, oil and tea. Appreciating UAE's ongoing efforts to support Pakistan Ambassador Javed Malik said "We appreciate His Highness President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi for their love and affection that they have always demonstrated for the people of Pakistan".