While Bush can be faulted for many things, his generoristy and rapid help to Pakistan following this terrible tragedy will not be forgotten. :k:
Thank You Mr. Bush!
By the Editor
AMID shocking howling, emanating from quack-stricken vicinities of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir, the US President George W. Bush has proved himself as a true friend of Pakistan by all perceptions as he is the first apex leader of the world who has extended an all-out help and assistance to provide instant relief to the ill-fated populous—which is still being counted—and the digit of the affected-ones may step-up close to a million. Not only that President Bush has dispatched a number of helicopters to Pakistan for emergency rescue operations in remote devastated areas, he has also announced initial monetary help to the tune of US $ 40 millions. A White House spokesman said that the US President has been shocked by the loss of life and property as a result of the severest-ever quake and has pledged to extend optimal aid in every form to alleviate the sufferings of the affectees in the minimum time. Such a great, grand and generous offer by the only super power—USA—is highly admirable. It manifests—beyond any shadow of doubt that America holds Pakistan in high esteem and that the two countries are linked in eternal friendship—for all times to come. While expressing, our inmost gratitude to the great leader of a great nation—America, we say—in categorical words—‘Thank you, Mr. Bush’. Earlier, President Gen Pervez Musharraf had appealed to the world for medicines, tents, cargo helicopters and funds to overcome the worst earthquake disaster of Pakistan’s history, which evoked swift response from the international fiscal institutions and countries—with USA atop. Several plane loads of relief goods donated by some countries have already been flown into Islamabad while rescue and medical teams are pouring into the capital to participate in the relief operations. Announcements of aid packages dispatch of emergency rescue teams for evacuation of victims trapped under the debris have also been made by several countries. British rescue team was, of course, the first to reach Islamabad. World Bank and Asian Development Bank have announced 20 million dollars and 10 million dollars of aid for rehabilitation work in the country’s quake affected areas. Japan has announced 238 thousand dollars worth of blankets, tents, water purification devices, generators, plastic tanks and sleeping mats. UN agencies UNDP and OCHA have pledged financial assistance. China has promised 6.2 million dollars, EU has committed 4.4 million dollars in primary emergency relief. Britain, Ireland, Holland, Australia and Canada have announced cash donations to help Pakistan face the challenge.
Besides Swedish Rescue Services, Malaysian Red Crescent, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore are sending rescue and relief workers. Brotherly Muslim countries like Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Iran have also responded to the President’s call positively. At the same time, Turkey and UAE instantly transported relief goods to Pakistan. Saudi King Abdullah has asked his administration to establish an air bridge with Pakistan to ensure uninterrupted supply of relief goods including ambulances, tents, medicines and clothes to help Pakistan deal with the massive disaster. With such a marvellous response, we welcome the international community’s help in this hour of a natural catastrophe in Pakistan. What’s, however, pertinent is that the earthquake has left in its trail massive destruction in addition to the human losses. Pakistan would thus be up against a great challenge of rehabilitation after overcoming the rescue and relief operations. The rehabilitation may take years—in multiple phases—in view of the country’s own economic conditions. The truth is that it will be quite difficult for Pakistan to bear the burden. It’s, therefore, imperative that the comity of nations shall, expectantly plan to assist Pakistan swiftly and in a big way. We feel optimistic that not only the relief operations in the all the areas, hit of the Saturday’s earthquake shall be intensified—even against heavy odds, primarily due to worst type of weather conditions—the hefty volume of aid, which has and is pouring in from almost all realms of the world—shall reach the helpless people who are not only looking from a bit of bread but are also spending days under the open sky—as almost over eighty percent of the houses have turned into ruins.
And finally, we hope that the leadership in Azad Kashmir—including top politicians shall rise to the occasion and would spend their days and nights with the unlucky people—instead of confining themselves in their cozy and comfy homes and offices. By now, only the government of Pakistan—with its civil and military administration—is doing its level best to take care of the affected people with optimal zest and sincerity. After all, it is basically the responsibility of the government in Azad Kashmir and the leaders of the ruling party, All Jammu & Kashmir Muslim Conference—as well as those who belong to opposition to do a bit, if not much, for its jinxed inhabitants. Isn’t it so?