The Chairman of Muslim Aid, Sir Iqbal Sacranie, today called on the European and OIC countries, as well as the international donor agencies to do more to help the people of Pakistan displaced by the country's catastrophic floods.

Addressing members of Parliament, diplomatic corps, media representatives and business and community leaders at Muslim Aid's 25th Anniversary Iftar Dinner, Sir Iqbal said: “The holy month of Ramadan brings the faithful together in the spirit of sacrifice and compassion. To mark this year’s Ramadan, Muslim Aid renews its abiding commitment to helping all those around the world that are in distress and without food and water.”

Speaking of the Pakistan floods, Sir Iqbal said: “Our Government has been amongst the first to announce a relief package for Pakistan but this assistance is not enough as millions of displaced people are not only in need of urgent relief, medicines and shelter but also require rehabilitation and resettlement. I urge the EU and OIC countries in particular to do more in view of the enormity of the continuing disaster. We also appeal to the donor agencies and development partners of Pakistan who have responded remarkably to the emergency to enhance their support and pledges.”

Muslim Aid’s £2 million emergency appeal is receiving a robust response. To date, Muslim Aid has raised more than £850,000 and hopes to surpass its target before the end of the month. The Appeal is helped by the spirit of generosity and the selflessness that Ramadan inspires. The funds have helped Muslim Aid start its relief work in Charsadda, Mianwali and Nowshera districts in the north western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and establish new relief camps in Jaffarabad, Sakkhar and Shikarpur districts in the Sindh province.  

Muslim Aid is flying two mobile inflatable hospitals from its field office in Bangladesh to Pakistan to provide basic health service to displaced persons, especially children who are exposed to cholera and other water borne diseases. Sir Iqbal said: “We are bringing Muslim Aid flood emergency experts from Bangladesh to help and train our staff in Pakistan. The Head of our Emergency Response team in the UK is flying out to Pakistan tonight to coordinate this effort.”

In his speech, the Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, congratulated the achievements of Britain’s leading NGO: "As we break the fast with our Muslim friends, let us remember the millions in Pakistan who have no food and clean water to break the fast with."

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt MP also addressed the event. In his speech he said: " Governments can no longer handle major disasters. The work of NGOs is of massive importance. We are pleased to acknowledge the work of Muslim NGOs in the UK over the last 25 years."

Other guests who spoke at the event included the Shadow Secretary for Transport Mr Sadiq Khan MP, Rushanara Ali MP and Mr Wajid Shamsul Hasan, High Commissioner for Pakistan.

A special photo exhibition of Muslim Aid’s work was on display at City Hall.
 
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Notes to Editors
 

• Muslim Aid is a UK based relief and development agency established in 1985 and working in over 70 countries with field offices in Bangladesh, Bosnia, Cambodia, Gambia, Indonesia, India,  Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka and Sudan.  Muslim Aid works with all in need, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality or political opinion. Muslim Aid programmes include emergency relief; capacity building through water, sanitation and health programmes; education and skills training; micro-financing and income generation and orphan care. Apart from supplying practical help, Muslim Aid tackles poverty by developing sustainable solutions, advocating for a more just and sustainable future.

• For further information about the work of Muslim Aid and its overseas field branches, please visit Muslim Aid website at www.muslimaid.org or contact Communications Manager Michelle Davis on +44 0207 377 4200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it