Pakistan’s Information Minister launches flood appeal on Turkish media

ISTANBUL, 14 October 2011:  Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan here Thursday night launched an appeal to help the 2011 monsoon flood victims of Pakistan. The appeal was launched at Samanyolu television of Turkey in collaboration with Turkey’s leading NGO Kimse Yok Mu. The Minister spoke about the magnitude of the floods and the expectations from the international community. She said we have appealed from US $ 357 million through United Nations and we have great expectations from Turkey.

“Recent floods are huge catastrophe and Pakistan government cannot handle it alone because war against terrorism and consective floods have stretched our capacities and resources” Dr. Awan said.

Dr. Awan said Pakistan is facing difficulty due to recent floods and the ongoing war on terror. “The assistance provided by the Turkish Government and people is reflection of love and solidarity towards Pakistan,” said the Minister. She said the purpose of her visit is to convey the appreciation of the people and Government of Pakistan for the tremendous support that the Turkish nation has continuously provided and to mobilize resources for helping the flood victims.

She expressed the hope that the Turkish public and private sector will come forward and help the victims of the 2011 floods. She stressed on the need for further mobilizing resources to fill the gaps in resources so that respond to the challenges of the post-flood situation.  

Vice Chairman of Kimse Yok Mu Mr. Nedim Irmak later on hosted a dinner in the honour of Dr. Firdous and her delegation. Mr. Iftikhar Durrani, Chief Executive of National Trust for Population Welfare gave a presentation about the gaps that needs civil society and international community support. Mr. Nedim said his organization will assess needs in the affected areas and respond in a best possible way. Chairperson of Bukhari Relief Foundation Khanum Tayyiba Bokhari said her NGO will provide local guidance and support to her Turkish NGO.  

ENDS

Photo Captions:

Photo-1: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan in a group photo with management of Samanyolu Television at Istanbul.

Photo2: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan presenting a commendation certificate to Vice Chairman of Kimse Yok Mu Mr. Nedim Irmak in recognition of the humanitarian services for flood victims of Pakistan.