Glasgow acts to help Pakistan flood disaster

Following the devastating floods in Pakistan,  a humanitarian effort has been launched in Glasgow by politicians and charities for an immediate £550,000 from Scotland,  for relief aid and long term re-building.

Initially, £50,000 is needed to transport, store and deliver antibiotic, anti-virus, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory medicines worth £2 million which have been donated by International Health Partners (http://www.ihpuk.org/) as well as 10,000 sterilising tablets, 500 tubs of sterilising hand gels and 4,500

Long term, funding of £500,000 would enable at least 200 family houses to be built in Punjab. The capital of that area, Lahore, is twinned with Glasgow therefore the new community will be called ‘Glasgow Village’.

Glasgow Central MP Anas Sarwar said: ‘Fourteen million people have been affected by this disaster and two million are homeless and more than 2000 have, sadly, lost their lives.

“We have seen a tremendous UK-wide response to this tragedy. Now we want to send out a strong message that Glasgow and Scotland support the people of Pakistan.

‘That’s why we’re bringing together charities, organisations and individuals who will work together in a co-ordinated way to ensure we are delivering the strongest possible response.

‘Immediate relief will be provided and we’re grateful to International Health Partners and Scottish Water. We also want to send the message that we will not forget Pakistan when the waters subside because we know that this tragedy will affect the people there for months and years to come.’

Council leader, Gordon Matheson said: ‘Glasgow at its best is a caring city. We are a compassionate people. We are also an international city. Glasgow City Council stands shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Pakistan at this terrible time. I commit this administration to work alongside this forum as an active supporter and friend – not just today and in the weeks ahead but in the months and years ahead.’

Lord Provost Bob Winter said: ‘It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of this effort to help the people of Pakistan in their time of need. The Pakistani community has made a phenomenal contribution to Glasgow. Marrying that resource with the resources of this great city is something that I can do to make a sustained contribution to the relief effort over a prolonged period.’

The Consul General of Pakistan, Shahryar Khan, said: ‘This disaster has affected fourteen million people and is spread over 132,000 square kilometres. It will take a long time for the country to recover.

‘The government of Pakistan is actively seeking help and I’m pleased that the people of Glasgow and Scotland have pledged assistance.’

Former MP Mohammed Sarwar, whose charity ‘UCare Foundation’ is co-ordinating Scotland’s Response, said: ‘We are very lucky at this time of great disaster to have the support of the caring people of this city. Donations to this appeal will provide medicines and shelter for hundreds of homeless families in Pakistan. Please continue to donate generously so that the victims of this horrible tragedy can be given some help.’

Scotland’s Response is backed by several organisations including:

UCare Foundation, The Islamic Centre, Glasgow Central Mosque, Scottish Asian Network, Glasgow Caring City, Masjid Khizra.

To donate or for more information or to volunteer help, contact: UCare Foundation, 320 Victoria Road,

Glasgow G42 7RP. Telephone: 0141 423 4242 or email:mail@ucarefoundation.org