South Asian Earthquake: Don’t care… or don’t know?

Zeena,

Have you considered contacting US physicians from South Asia (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka) through any AMA networks that may exist to see whether they can raise medical supplies for your efforts? I am sure they would respond positively.

Keep up your good work. There is a special place reserved for people like you in Allah`s heart.

I believe human catastrophy at such an extreme magnitude , all nations become international,ie. all humans one and united. No question of race/ nations or country.
To ask for help for saving life, (rahter than dying helplessly) becomes your prime right, just like standing up for your rights. It will be sin not to ask for help.

Besides that it becomes obligation for all humans to help those in need . After all, all of us share the same planet, called The Earth..............

But compared to the generosity witnessed after the Tsunami, the world’s response has been miserly. The Tsunami catalysed 10 billion dollars in disaster relief for its victims – about what the United States Senate proposed for Katrina’s victims, $10.5 billion (to which President Bush committed a further $51.8 on September 7.)

In contrast, Pakistan has received only $630 million so far, of at least 5 billion dollars urgently needed. The press talks about “donor fatigue” with disaster after disaster this past year. There may also be unease about giving money to a nuclear-armed, military-led nation unable to contain the religious militancy breeding within its borders.

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Has author confused herself into believing that Kashmir..er..Pakistan....err South East Asia a state of the United states of America? for which President Bush should have pledged 52 billion dollars as he did in another state of america, Lousiana?

Whether Maha`s jar in the USA is empty or full, in the big scheme of things, doesn`t matter much. Because there are quite a few Mahas in Pakistan, whose donation jars are getting filled. And that is where Pakistan`s strength in dealing with this earthquake will come from...............

The English press in Pakistan and English websites (including this one) spend far too much chasing invisible religious ghosts in Pakistan, and looking towards what the West does and does not do for Pakistan, as a criteria for how well Pakistan is doing in any sphere. Having read the Pakistani English press extensively, and having known some of the writers and an odd editor or two, I have always felt these individuals are far too enamoured with the West. In that sense, they suffer from somewhat of an inferiority complex.

It is incorrect to guage Pakistan`s success in handling this earthquake from what people in the West, or outside Pakistan, are doing. When, in fact, they should be looking at the average Urdu/Punjabi/Sindhi etc. speaking Pakistani, who cannot speak English and has never been to the West and see what he is doing for this earthquake.........

I will even go to the extent that, after the initial emergencies are handled, it will be good for Pakistan if it is forced to handle the expenses of reconstruction for this earthquake internally. It will force Pakistan to readjust its budget allocations, and fix its priorities. If the aid just comes in from abroad, it will be business, as usual.

In fact, Pakistan has made the most progress in areas, when it has been forced to, domestically, solve its problems, based on the strengths and weaknesses of its own people...........

Behram1 #24: ``Why can`t Pakistan relocate the living to warmer temperatures?``

You may want to go a bit easy on the rhetoric. While it is upto Americans and others to give or not to give, as much as they want. It is not upto them to ridicule any efforts, domestically, that are going on to assist earthquake victims. Any foreigner who does so is crossing the line............

Rest assured quite a few Pakistanis, civilian and military are working day and night to assist in relocating people. If you have ever been to that area you will know that it is impossible to relocate people in much of that area, without a massive large scale helicopter fleet. Which no other country, than the USA, possesses.

There are soldiers, literally, carrying people on their backs, to relocate them. There are helicopter pilots flying 12 hours a day, in some of the most dangerous terrians in the world. And there are doctors working without sleep in those areas.

The way Pakistanis of all types, rushed into Kashmir, after the earthquake, was unprecendented. I didn`t see anyone rushing into New Orleans, after Katrina. Or in various other disasters.

On the whole, I would say the Pakistanis in Pakistan have done quite a bit more to relocate Kashmiris, than any of us have done. Based on that, I think one should either lead, follow or get out of the way, i.e. one should either help or keep quiet and not badmouth people who are helping and working............

I personally think, the reaction to this earthquake, from all Pakistanis, was Pakistan`s (of all types and professions) finest hour. At least, in my lifetime. All the myths about Pakistan being divided along ethnic and religious lines have been sent to their graves. Karachi has nothing to do with Kashmir, helped the most!!

The Pakistani English press has tried to belittle this. But I think they have been unsuccessful.

I think the money received, from other countries` will be proportional to the money received for other earthquakes, like Gujurat, Turkey and Iran. In the end, Pakistanis will have to handle this, themselves. And I think they will do fine...........I don`t know a single person in Pakistan, from my very old father, to my siblings (to me), to my friends in the Army who are flying choppers, to my friends in the Air Force who are flying C-130s, to my civilian doctor friends, to the media, to entertainers, to big business houses, to maulvis to anyone else, who hasn`t done something.........

Do let me know of any other disaster, where literally every person one knows did something to help.........Not just sending 100 dollars to Oxfam, but physically helping.............

Re: # 25

Dear Romair:

Thank you for the long drawn out response.

If the living are already being relocated then why ask for money help? Why are they not asking for massive helicopter fleet? These are simple logical questions.

Is Imran Khan coming over here to ask for money or helicopters?

[You may want to go a bit easy on the rhetoric.] Of course, I would. But I do not see any common sense coming out from the present Pakistani administration.

[While it is upto Americans and others to give or not to give, as much as they want. It is not upto them to ridicule any efforts, domestically, that are going on to assist earthquake victims. Any foreigner who does so is crossing the line............]

Being an American, and a person who was born in Pakistan, I have some rights, I suppose. And besides, if someone comes over here with his ``kushkol`` for handouts, then I will wonder what is going on? Remember, I am logical and there are many ways to skin the cat, so to speak.

[Rest assured quite a few Pakistanis, civilian and military are working day and night to assist in relocating people.]

Then, why do we always see westerners and here about westerners. As, I had asked you on the other board, and you chose not to reply is that 1% of Pakistani expats net asset value of $100 Billion, would easily get them $1 Billion.

And where is this request?

[If you have ever been to that area you will know that it is impossible to relocate people in much of that area, without a massive large scale helicopter fleet. Which no other country, than the USA, possesses.] Then, why are the paindoos not asking for that?

[There are soldiers, literally, carrying people on their backs, to relocate them. There are helicopter pilots flying 12 hours a day, in some of the most dangerous terrians in the world.]

So they have all the helicopters needed, correct?

[ And there are doctors working without sleep in those areas.] All, I hear is western doctors, etc. Are these Pakistani doctors?


[The way Pakistanis of all types, rushed into Kashmir, after the earthquake, was unprecendented.] Then, that is admirable. What is the complaint? Why this article?

[I didn`t see anyone rushing into New Orleans, after Katrina. Or in various other disasters.]
You must be on a different channel. Were you glued on Geo TV or Ary or whatever?


[On the whole, I would say the Pakistanis in Pakistan have done quite a bit more to relocate Kashmiris, than any of us have done. Based on that, I think one should either lead, follow or get out of the way, i.e. one should either help or keep quiet and not badmouth people who are helping and working............]

And this is where your paindoo mentality show glaringly. If someone knocks at the door, I will ask tough questions. And honest people will have to respond honestly.

[I personally think, the reaction to this earthquake, from all Pakistanis, was Pakistan`s (of all types and professions) finest hour..] Great. Now what? Why the kushkol then?

[ At least, in my lifetime. All the myths about Pakistan being divided along ethnic and religious lines have been sent to their graves. Karachi has nothing to do with Kashmir, helped the most!! ] Good for Pakistan....Great. Now what? Why the kushkol then?

[The Pakistani English press has tried to belittle this. But I think they have been unsuccessful. ] There you go again. And this web site is in Urdu I suppose. Are you nuts?

[I think the money received, from other countries` will be proportional to the money received for other earthquakes, like Gujurat, Turkey and Iran.] Ok....Now you are coming to some logical thinking...Great. Now what? Why the kushkol then?

[ In the end, Pakistanis will have to handle this, themselves. And I think they will do fine...........] And that is exactly what most of the posts are suggesting. Pakistan should be able to handle themselves....Great. Now what? Why the kushkol then?

[I don`t know a single person in Pakistan, from my very old father, to my siblings (to me), to my friends in the Army who are flying choppers, to my friends in the Air Force who are flying C-130s, to my civilian doctor friends, to the media, to entertainers, to big business houses, to maulvis to anyone else, who hasn`t done something......... ]

Great. Now what? Why the kushkol then?

[Do let me know of any other disaster, where literally every person one knows did something to help.........Not just sending 100 dollars to Oxfam, but physically helping.............] And how may I ask, over 150 million people get there physically to help?

You must be on to something. And I wonder what is it?

Respectfully submitted,

veeresh said: ``What little internal media there is in Pakistan can be divided into neat little self-interest groups, to my knowledge and experience. Their credibility is close to zilch internationally. ``

no offense veeresh but i think what is zilch here is your knowledge of the pakistani media

veeresh said: ``What little internal media there is in Pakistan can be divided into neat little self-interest groups, to my knowledge and experience. Their credibility is close to zilch internationally. ``

no offense veeresh but i think what is zilch here is your knowledge of the pakistani media

There is no moral claim that people of pakistan can raise about how much aid they are getting. Poeple in the rest of the world are not their Chacha Mamaa who have an obligation to send aid. Lets have some dignity fellow country men.

I am not saying that calling for aid and relief is a bad idea. We should do it more often than not but expectations and complaining is a bad thing. I mean, poor poeple who are brainwashed by the religion and now the rhetoric of the mullah view the west as an evil thing. Sure its not their fault to be such way, but neither is the earthquake west`s fault. Soverign nations are free choose whethre to help or not.

I think there should be a policy of encouraging and training the local people so that they should not keeping lying on ground waiting for the angel of death of arrive, but start doing something smart. These are human beings are are capable of much more than the beasts of the wilderness. A disaster always brings an upsurge in motivation and ability to cop with it. The intelligent minds should devise ways to direct the local people do whatever they can to help the situation themselves and save lives.

Human mind is capable of great things if right path is followed.

Re: # 20

Dear malikjahanzeb:

You are 100% correct.

Pakistanis could learn from the US and Katrina, when almost 2.0Million people were relocated within weeks.

Why can`t Pakistan relocate the living to warmer temperatures?

Because the paindoos do not want the Chanda to stop rolling in, I suppose.

Respectfully submitted,

#8 by amansandhu
Thanks for your compliments.
Here is more so, far......
The Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee pf APPNA continues to work for the earthquake victims in Pakistan. No doubt some of you are aware of the relief work we have done so far. Below is a brief list of what we have been able to deliver. Highlights of APPNA`s efforts 1. Over $1 million has been raised in USA and monies have already been donated to work with the relief operations. 2. APPNA Sehat in Pakistan has been receiving continuous reinforcement of relief funds. 3. PIMA initially received $ 15,000 4. 250 all weather tents were sent out from Chicago very early on. 5. Oklahoma Chapter of APPNA has arranged for 1400 tents to be distributed either by Rotary Club in Pakistan or Edhi Foundation. 6. APPNA Surgical and Medical Teams have been on the ground and surgeries have been performed in Mansehra and PIMS Islamabad. 7. Three surgical suites were opened up and equipped by APPNA at PIMS 8. Two pneumatic drills for surgeries were purchased in Karachi by APPNA and delivered to hospitals that had requested them. 9. Every flight that goes to Pakistan with APPNA physicians carries supplies including medicines and high technology supplies. 10. Three warehouses in USA have been set up Houston, New York and Chicago which receive and at times repackage the supplies to improve the assortment and consolidate the weight to carrying limits. As of the 26th October the following supplies had been sent to Pakistan. 1. Two boxes of Orthopedic trays sent from Chicago for AMC on 10/15/05. 2. Four Anesthesia Machines sent to Ayub Medical Complex. Two of those will be sent to Field hospital in Mozaffarabad. Value $ 200,000?. Eight more anesthesia machines and ventilators are on the way to Pakistan. 3. Orthopedic equipment and supplies sent to Ayub Medical Complex in 41 boxes weighing 700 lbs on 10/22/05, which was received at Shifa & distributed further. Value: 500,000. 4. Surgical, Medical & Orthopedic equipment sent on 10/25/05 from Chicago contained in 26 boxes & weighing 700 lbs. This will be distributed to PIMS, Shifa & AMC. Value: $200,000-$300,000? 5.Five Boxes sent on 10/22/05 & eighty boxes on 10/23/05 accompanied by team of physicians travelling to Pakistan. This contained antibiotics, sutures and other surgical supplies. Value of Antibiotics alone was $15,000. Other could not be determined. 6. A pneumatic drill was purchased as a donation to Ayub Medical Complex for $20,000. 7. A donation of 36 external fixator sets & two hand drills to be received from the distributer who sold the Pneumatic drill and is to be sent to PIMS.(waiting confirmation). 8. Two boxes of sutures, plates & orthopedic equipment sent to Islamabad on 10/22 with a physician from Chicago. Destined to go to one of the hospitals treating victims of earthquake. (I will find out in a day or two as to where exactly did it go) Value $50,000? 9. A donation of Surgical & Orthopedic equipment weighing $300 lbs sent courtesy of John Hopkins`s Via APPNA to Ayub Medical Complex. The equipment was donated by Smith & Nephew. Valued at a two hundred thousand dollars (200,000). 9. A shipment of Supplies was sent by Smith & Nephews on on 10/26/05 to our warehouse in NY worth (Value to be disclosed). This will be sent to PIMS & Shifa on 10/28/05. 10. Five C-arms are being purchased (re-furbished ones)and one each is being shipped to RMC,PIMS,Shifa,Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad and one to INOR in Abbotabad. . 11. We have a commitment from a Pakistani husband and wife team to begin the rehabilitative work with prosthetics for a period of up to three years. It was their faith in APPNA that caused them to volunteer with us. 12. A complete field hospital awaits shipment from USA. 13. The supplies of antibiotics, analgesics, antipyretics, sterilizing supplies are too many to detail but they are leaving by all air flights available to us. 14. Fed Ex has allowed APPNA one hundred boxes per week free to be shipped anywhere in USA for relief purposes. We have three warehouses Houston, New York and Chicago where most of the supplies are stored. 15. EC has approved a lap top computer for inventory control in Islamabad 16. 250 tents have been delivered in Pakistan 17. Purchase of one Container for 280 wheel chairs has been approved, NE Chapter has donated one container of 280 wheel chairs. APPNA has also approved 280 wheel chair. Distribution is via Rotary in Islamabad. 18. APPNA has approved up to 5 C arms included 19. Dr. Arshad Hussain, world authority is giving 3 seminars of trauma and psychological sequelae. APPNA is co sponsoring this seminar. 20. US$10,000 has been approved by EC to purchase surgical nails, screws for tibia and femur for use in Abbotabad ( Dr Amjad Gulzar Shaikh). Sincerely, Dr. Javed Akhtar Chair, Social Welfare and Disaster Relief Committee 2005

Dear Ras:

Regretfully, I must also inform readers of your post that Mr. Imran Khan, it seems comes around US and collects donations for all kinds of events. Then, he goes back to Pakistan and makes vitriolic anti-US statements. This behavior should not be accepted by all US tax-paying Pakistani-Americans.

This particular behavior of Mr. Imran Khan made news in the US media, and it is really shameful.

I sincerely hope that this person, who wants American dollars, would also remain dignified wherever he is.

Respectfully submitted,

Beena
Unfortunate truth is that ``world does not care...``. I think reason is due to image that Kashmir and Pakistan has acquired during last few decades. Whenever these areas are in news than it is not for some accomplishment but due to some accident, calamity or misfortune. Last two days had ``violence in gilgit`` and ``Mobs burn churches``.

Pakistan is not being singled out for such treatment. Angola, Somalia and Congo also went through same treatment.

Ref traveller #10

[Harimau
Tragic & shameful as was the incident of Daniel Pearl`s murder and such incidents as well as the Jihadi groups operating in Pakistan you surely cannot be suggesting that those poor innocent children and villagers had anything to do with that?]

Anytime the Pak Establishment wanted it they could turn the faucet off for jihadi funding. Don`t tell me the Pak Establishment is a respecter of human rights: put the thumbscrews on the fellows already in the pay of the ISI and you would have the entire jihadi network identified inside a week.

So long as you don`t do that, people like me will have the right to point out what ``collateral damage`` means. It is not just the shoppers who got killed in New Delhi the day before Deepavali; it is also the women and children of Kashmir.

How about letting IAF helicopters fly in relief supplies directly to Gilgit and places like that? You guys just don`t want your 55 years of propaganda about big bad Hindus proved wrong, do you?

[And you may hate Mush and all Pakistanis (as seen from your comments throughout this site) but surely you have some tiny speck of humanity left in you.]

Cold-blooded analysis does look heartless but truth sets you free. After which, you can cry buckets, send money, etc. But you have to understand the underlying cause. You have a country that has been blackmailing the US into paying for military hardware but has zero leverage when it comes to economic aid. How do you think the Average Alan in America is going to react when he hears that the country that sold gas centrifuges to Iran and nuclear bomb design to Libya is now pleading for help? And that constant ``Death to the Great Satan America`` chants from screaming mobs, bombings of consulates, killing of US businessmen: you think people should ignore all that? What is the guarantee that after massive help for earthquake relief, the Pak Establishment will suddenly turn benign and be the Sweden of South Asia?

[One basic thing you fail to understand - the general public does not love support and admire these extremist murderers....]

That is not the picture the world gets when they see on TV your children mindlessly rocking back and forth in front of a copy of the Koran.

[but getting suchg a poor response from the world is likely to radicalise those who have lost their families and everything in their lives.]

They will be RECRUITED by the Pak Establishment as cannon fodder; they won`t be volunteering. Don`t try this line of blackmail.

[What about the number of people killed by the Maoist rebels in India. They number in the thousands do they not? Just as lethal really except they are killing exclusively their own country people whereas Jihadi groups kill both their own people and outsiders....truly these disgusting pakis dont deserve to live according to your mindset.]

The Maoist rebels should be ruthlessly hunted and killed to the last. Entire areas should be declared free-fire zones, and people inside allowed to surrender so that innocent persons will come to no harm but Maoists will be killed whether they surrender or not. Manmohan Singh the Neutered doeesn`t have the cojones to do that and anyway the Communists in India have a tight hold on his langot.

Search your souls first before you ask why the world does not respond to Pak pleas for help. Then make a public committment such actions will not be tolerated. After all, if the US with its freedom of speech guarantee can outlaw hate speeches, Pakistan can do it too.

Pakistanis deserve to live and to live a decent life. You all just have to figure out that constant hate from your side does not inspire generosity in the reverse direction.

Re: # 14

Dear harimau:

You are correct in your assessment of certain segment of Pakistan.

[Search your souls first before you ask why the world does not respond to Pak pleas for help.] And believe me most of Pakistanis are doing just that. The latest pew results shows that acceptance of suicide bombers have gone down to 25% from a year ago when it was 41%. And yes, we have to make it go to 0%. Then, and only then, Pakistan will be respected. Not only that Pakistan must have pro-US demonstration and show love for Americans, as it once did when John F. Kennedy was shot, when Karachi went in to three day mourning.

[Then make a public committment such actions will not be tolerated.] You are 100% correct. Pakistani military regime must be bold and fearless in this regard. What sort of a military is it anyway?

[After all, if the US with its freedom of speech guarantee can outlaw hate speeches, Pakistan can do it too.] Agreed wholeheartedly. Pakistan should grow up and outlaw hate speeches by everyone. And give the severest form of punishment.

[Pakistanis deserve to live and to live a decent life.] Yes, Kulharee, I say Amen to that.

Thank you for such an inspirational post.

Respectfully submitted,

OPEN Earthquake Relief Fundraiser featuring Imran Khan Friday Nov. 18 in San Jose

Dear Friends,

We invite you to join us on the evening of November 18th for a fundraiser benefiting the survivors of the South Asian Earthquake and featuring Imran Khan, former Test Cricket Captain, Founder of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital, and Member of the Pakistan National Assembly. As you know over 80,000 lives have been lost, 3.3 million people have been made homeless, and over 100,000 lives are at high risk as the Himalayan winter arrives in the devastated region in just weeks. The most important needs by far are shelter and medical supplies.
The aim of the event is to raise funds for specific relief and rehabilitation initiatives launched by Imran Khan and the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital (founded by Imran). The two focal points are:

1. SHELTER & FOOD
- Tent Cities have been established in Mansera, Dader, and Muzafarabad
- Approx 800 tents in total in the above cities have been already set up.
- In addition to the above, 400 tents have been distributed in other areas.
- Another 1200 tents have been ordered and are planned to be deployed in these tent cities
- Food for all residents of the tent cities for the next 2 – 3 months
- Permanent housing will be developed in these areas as soon as the weather permits.

2. MEDICAL AID
- Surgical/medical teams from Shaukat Khanum are already working in Abbottabad with planned follow up stints in collaboration with other hospitals
- A Primary care hospital is to be setup near Bagh for six months.
- Plans are underway to open more hospitals in other areas as well.
The event is being sponsored and organized by HDF (Human Development Fund), TCF (The Citizen’s Foundation), TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), ICC (Indian Community Center), and OPEN (Org. of Pakistani Entrepreneurs):

Date and Time:
Friday, November 18, 2005
7:30pm - 10:30pm

Venue:
Corinthian Room at the Silicon Valley Capital Club and Athletic Club
196 N. Third Street
San Jose, CA 95113
www.sanjoseclub.com

Evening Program:
- Arrival of Guests: 7:30 - 8:00pm
- Dinner: 7:50p - 8:30pm
- Welcome & Presentation: 8:20pm - 8:40pm
- Video: 8:40 - 8:45pm
- Speech by Imran Khan 8:45 – 9:15pm
- Fundraising: 9:15 – 9:45pm
- Imran Khan - Meet and Greet: 9:45 - 10:45pm

Event Goals:
1. Fundraising
- All donations will be tax deductible i.e.will go to a 501C3 organization
- Corporate Matching will go to the corporations’ approved charities not to Imran Khan Project
- Funds collected at event (excluding corporate match) will go to the Imran Khan Foundation for Shelter and Medical Relief for the South Asian Earthquake
- ALL money raised (net event cost) will go to South Asian Earthquake Relief.
2. Raising awareness of the Earthquake among the broader Silicon Valley community
3. Enabling Local Media Coverage of the South Asian Earthquake

Tickets:
Individual Guest: $100
Corporate Table: 10 seats for $2000
Patron Table (Individuals buying a table): 10 seats at $2000

Online ticket purchase is available. Payment can also be made by check and/or cash: Go to www.opensiliconvalley.com for details; email Asiya Merchant with any questions: Asiya.merchant@citigroup.com

About Imran Khan:
Imran Khan is seen as Pakistan`s finest ever Cricket all-rounder and, along with Garfield Sobers, Kapil Dev, and Ian Botham, one of the greatest of all time. He made his Test debut against England at Birmingham in 1971 at the age of 18 In the same year, he made his ODI debut also against England at Nottingham. He captained his country for 48 matches. In first-class cricket, he took more than 1000 wickets at an average of 22.32 runs per wicket.

Khan went to school in Lahore and then attended the Royal Grammar School Worcester and Keble College, Oxford where he was also Captain of the Oxford University Cricket team in 1974. He comes from a cricketing family with two of his cousins Javed Burke and Majid Khan also having played test cricket for Pakistan.

Since retiring from Pakistani Test cricket, Khan has been devoting most of his time to the Shaukat Khannum Memorial Hospital, a state-of-the-art charitable Cancer Hospital that he established using donations in Lahore. He has also started a socio-political movement in Pakistan known as `Tehrik-i-Insaf` or `Movement for Justice` and ran for office in the National Elections. He became a Member of Parliament for Mianwali in the October 2002 elections.

Amongst his honors include being awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 1993 by the Pakistani government, Honorary Fellow of Keble College, Oxford and Wisden Cricketer of the Year 1983. He captained the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 cricket World Cup.