As
you are aware, the Armed Forces of Pakistan are carrying
out operations against militants and terrorists in Malakand
Division including Swat, Dir, Buner, Bajaur, Waziristan
Agency and other Federally Administered Tribal Areas
of Pakistan. The operation was launched to save the
people of these areas from the atrocities being committed
by the extremists.
The Government of Pakistan made every effort to resolve
the issue peacefully through dialogue. The agreement
signed by the Provincial Government of NWFP envisaged
restoration of peace but unfortunately hostile actions
of the militants forced the Government to take military
action to establish its writ.
The ongoing military action has forced hundreds of thousands
of people to be displaced from their homes. The number
is expected to increase to over 1.3 million people.
The entire government machinery has been mobilized to
provide relief to the Internally Displaced Persons.
A cash grant of Rs.1500 million has already been provided
by the Federal Government for relief operations. The
Government has also committed to provide jobs to the
family members of those who have lost their lives in
the conflict.
While the Government is utilizing all its resources,
the Pakistani Community in the United States can play
a major role to augment Government's efforts. I appeal
the whole Pakistani Diaspora to come forward and contribute
generously to help their brothers in this hour of need.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan has established a “Special
Fund for Victims of Terrorism” for providing relief
to the affectees of the current conflict. To collect
donations for the Prime Minister's Fund, the Embassy
of Pakistan Washington, DC has opened the following
account with the National Bank of Pakistan, Washington,
D.C.:
Account #: 1001003933
ABA # : 026004721
Swift : NBPAUS33
Checks made payable to the above account may be sent
to the National Bank of Pakistan , 1875 Connecticut
Ave. NW, Washington DC 20009 or to the Embassy of Pakistan,
3517 International Court, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20008.
All donations made by the community organizations and
individuals will be posted on the Embassy's website.
To learn more about making donations, please visit the
Embassy of Pakistan, Washington DC's website: www.embassyofpakistanusa.org
Pictures
courtesy Marvi Sirmed, National Project ManagerN UNDP's
Parliamtary Development Project
