Answering the floods with a torrent of aid

Dubai: The Pakistani community in the UAE has geared up its efforts to raise funds and supplies for the victims of the worst-ever floods in their country.

A large number of community members gathered at the Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah (PSCS) at a function to mark Pakistan's Independence Day and raised around Dh400,000 within one hour. Chaudhry Zafar Iqbal, president of PSCS, led from the front by donating Dh100,000 for the relief fund.

"We will send our relief team to Pakistan to distribute relief goods amongst the flood victims," Iqbal told Gulf News at the function. He said the response from the community has been tremendous. He said the centre has received relief goods such as tents, clothes, blankets, medicine and food items.

Speaking at the event, Pakistani Consul General in Dubai Amjad Ali Sher called on the community to join hands to help those who are hungry, homeless and sick.

"Please donate whatever you can. The preference is to give cash as it is the fastest way to provide relief to millions of affected people," he said.

The Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) continues to receive donations.

"We have already sent eight container loads of relief goods and have received around Dh600,000 of cash donations," said Innayatur Rehman, acting general secretary of the PAD and in charge of the Flood Relief Camp. "We are thankful to all expatriate communities and UAE nationals for extending great help...The response from all communities in the UAE has been just great," he added.

Contributions: How to help

For donations and relief goods, contact:

• Pakistan Association in Dubai: 04-3373632, 050-6317131
• Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah, 06-5626633, 050-5177697
• Pakistan Social Centre Ras Al Khaimah
• Deliver goods to X-Money and TCS courier offices in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
• Pakistan Consulate General A/C 010-3966-5 UBL, Bur Dubai