Dubai: The Pakistan Association in Dubai (Pad) is urging people in the UAE to donate generously to help those whose lives have been affected by the floods in Pakistan.
The worst floods in the history of Pakistan have left at least 1,100 people dead and more than one million homeless, according to official figures.
The number of deaths and homeless is set to rise as heavy rains and floods continue to lash different parts of the country.
UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has already ordered an urgent delivery of relief to help shelter those displaced by the floods.
The relief being dispatched by the UAE government includes blankets, tents, medical supplies and food.
A Pakistan Association of Dubai representative said the group will accept donations of cash and goods starting today at its premises in Dubai.
Khayal Zaman, president of the Pak-Khyber Wing of the association, said: "We are holding meetings to expedite the procedure for collecting relief goods and dispatching them to the flood victims in Pakistan."
Zaman hails from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which is the worst-hit area. Medicines, food items, tents and new clothes were needed most, he added.
Meanwhile, many Pakistanis criticised Pakistani organisations in the UAE, saying they had failed to take immediate steps to help people in need. Kareem Aga said he had been to the Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai but was turned away by the staff. "I want to donate relief goods but could not find any means to do so," he said.
A senior community member who did not want to give his name said: "It is a shame that the community is silent while hundreds of thousands of people from their country are sleeping without shelter, food and medicines."
To donate, please phone the Pakistan Association of Dubai on 04 3373632.
