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Pakistani Community Sends Relief for Swat Residents

DUBAI — The Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) distributed more than Dh738,000 in relief material in its campaign titled Swat Relief.

In addition, it sent six 40-feet containers of relief goods by sea and 25 tonnes, including 15 tonnes of medicines by air, the office bearers of the association told the media during a briefing on the achievements of the campaign and future plans of
the association.

The briefing was addressed by Riaz Farooq Sahi, president, Mohammad Azim, general secretary, Rizwan Fancy, welfare secretary, and Shah Hussain Orakzai, in charge of the relief camp in Dubai and PAD activities in Pakistan.

The funds and relief goods were donated by the Pakistani and other communities residing in the UAE at the relief camp set up by the association at the Pakistan Sports and Recreation Club in Dubai and during a telethon organised by PAD on GEO TV channel.

A total of Dh771,252 was collected during the campaign. The association also got registered as a non-government organisation (NGO) in the name of Pak Relief in Pakistan to be able to carry out its activities directly and without dependence on other NGOs.

The Pakistani Association allocated Rs1.5 million to upgrade the field hospital it had established in Thana and another Rs1.5 million to orphanage
in Swat. A delegation of PAD, including its president, Sahi, discussed the requirements with the vice-chancellors of Peshawar University and Islamia College University and the prominent people of the area, to chalk out its priorities on education and health.

University and college students of the affected areas were given scholarships. These included Rs5,000 to Rs15,000 each to 260 female students, and Rs3,000 each to 300 male students.

The organisation took the responsibility of the treatment of two schoolgirls who had bullets in their bodies. In addition, 300 families were given food packages, including help for women, students and labourers
during Ramadan. In Dubai, PAD is continuing with its welfare activities for the residents. Monday is Open Day for those seeking assistance. It includes payment of house rent, electricity and water bills, and air tickets.

qudoos@khaleejtimes.com