New York: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), a Pakistani political group has written a letter to the US president Joe Biden seeking his administration’s help for the flood victims of Pakistan.
APPAC has urged the Biden administration and Congress to approve a $13 billion aid package to help and restore victims of the devastating floods in Pakistan.
APPEC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed said that Pakistan is currently facing the most difficult time. One-third of the country is under flood and the saddest part is that this year’s floods are a harbinger of worst weather disasters.
The American community of Pakistani origin urged the United States to help the people of Pakistan on the basis of humanitarianism in this difficult time.
In a letter written to US President Joe Biden and elected members of Congress, APPAC said that in this difficult time US must extend an important and immediate relief to the people of Pakistan in time.
APPAC urged the United States to work with Pakistan to deal with the persistent threats posed by climate change.
US have pledged only $30 million in aid, but the disaster scenario far outweighs the funding offered.
According to the estimate of the American think tank Atlantic Council, Pakistan has lost $ 5.2 billion due to floods and will need $ 7.9 billion to restore it.
Meanwhile, The APPAC chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed has left for Pakistan from New York. He will be part of the US Congressional delegation in Islamabad tomorrow and will also attend meetings with senior Pakistani officials.
A delegation led by Democratic Party Congressman Tom Souzzi and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson from New York is visiting Pakistan.
They have specially asked Dr. Ijaz Ahmed to join him in this visit.
The purpose of the visit of the members of Congress is to review the US aid and role in helping the flood victims, including the flood situation in Pakistan after the disasters.
This delegation will meet the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, President Dr. Arif Alvi, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and National Disaster Management Authority
Chairman Lt. Gen. Akhtar Nawaz and others in Islamabad tomorrow.
APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Tahir Javed, Tahir Bhatti, Tanveer Ahmed and Rehan Siddiqui will also be included in the delegation of American members of Congress.
In one of his statements, Dr. Ijaz said that this visit is very important. He said “we will talk for maximum help to the flood victims in Pakistan from the US side in this visit.”
The entire Pakistani community is grateful to the Congress members, he concluded.
