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“Day on the Hill” Gathers Record-Breaking Congressional
Support for Pakistani Earthquake Relief
By Fauzia Tariq
Thursday, November 17th marked the achievement
of “Day on the Hill”, an unparalleled, cooperative effort
by numerous Pakistani-American organizations to garner Congressional
support for earthquake relief in Pakistan. The day’s activities
included a breakfast reception with Members of Congress in Rayburn
House Office Building, followed by constituent meetings to lobby
Members of Congress about the dire need for additional U.S. assistance
for the humanitarian crisis at hand. The “Day on the Hill”
culminated with a community feedback session and dinner hosted by
Jehangir Karamat, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S.
During the breakfast reception and individual meetings numerous
House Representatives and Senate leaders from both political parties
interacted with Pakistani-American organizations, community leaders
and concerned citizens. All Members of Congress that attended spoke
at the breakfast, articulating their commitment, support, and ideas
for strengthening U.S. assistance.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Co-chair for the Congressional
Pakistan Caucus was an honorary host during the morning reception
and welcomed her colleagues as well as thanked the organizers. Ms.
Jackson-Lee, with fellow Co-chair Dan Burton, introduced H. Res.
561, a resolution urging the U.S. to reaffirm its commitment to
earthquake relief through additional support and by pledging long-term
reconstruction efforts in affected areas. Ms. Jackson-Lee also confirmed
an upcoming visit to Pakistan by House members in order to assess
damage and support reconstruction efforts.
Representatives speaking included Robert Simmons of Connecticut,
who committed to building a school in an earthquake-affected area.
Representative John Conyers of Michigan articulated his admiration
for the response by the Pakistani-American community and commended
them for their efforts. Representative Chris Van Hollen lamented
the lack of media coverage concerning the earthquake and reinforced
the need for gathering international support for Pakistan given
its strategic role in combating terrorism. Other distinguished Members
of Congress that spoke in support of earthquake relief efforts in
Pakistan included Representatives Shelley Berkley of Nevada, Thomas
Davis of Virginia, Jim Moran of Virginia, Joseph Pitts of Pennsylvania
and Linda Sanchez of California.
In addition, the event featured remarks by leaders of co-sponsoring
organizations. Dr. Saud Anwar, Secretary General of the Pakistani
American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC), moderated the event.
Aisha Chapra, Executive Director of the Pakistani-American Leadership
Center (PAL-C), Pervaiz Lodhie, member of the Board of Directors
of PAL-C, and Hussain Malik, President of the Association of Pakistani
Physicians of North America (APPNA), Dr. Wasiullah Khan, President
of the Pakistani American Congress (PAC) and Mr. Hanif Akhtar of
PAL-C addressed the group, detailing the contributions of each organization
to the relief effort and updating the community of future plans.
Also in attendance were Mr. Mossadaq Chughtai, Mr. Rehman Jinnah
and Dr. Mansoor Shah of the PAL-C Board of Directors, Mr. Shaukhat
Sindhu of PAANA, Mr. Irfan Malik of OPEN and NAPA and Dr. Pervez
Shah and Dr. Raza Bokhari of PAKPAC.
Additionally, Mr. Akbar Khawaja, Senator from Pakistan rallied those
gathered on behalf Pakistan saying, “We’re all connected
and we must respond together. Every contribution, big or small,
will impact a life.” Mr. Mohammad Sadiq, Deputy Chief of Mission
for the Embassy of Pakistan, concluded the morning reception with
remarks on the successful coming together of so many community organizations
for earthquake relief efforts.
The remainder of the day was spent in constituent meetings with
Congressional Representatives by state delegations from all across
the United States. Community members asked their Representatives
and Senators to sign H. Res. 561 and provide additional and long-term
relief to Pakistan.
After a long day of lobbying, members of the community came together
one final time at the Embassy of Pakistan to reflect on the efforts
and successes of the Day. Ambassador Jehangir Karamat applauded
the community for their continued support of earthquake victims
in Pakistan and highlighted the efforts of the Embassy in relief
work. The following organizations were recognized for instrumentality
in organizing the massive lobbying day: PAL-C (Pakistani American
Leadership Center), PAKPAC (Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee),
APPNA (Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America), Rising
Leaders, National PSA, OPEN (Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs
of North America, NAPA (National Association of Pakistani Americans),
PAANA (Pakistani American Association of North America), COPAA (Council
of Pakistani American Affairs), AOPP (Association of Pakistani Professionals),
APSENA (Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North
America), PAC (Pakistani American Congress) and PAGW (Pakistani
Association of Greater Washington).
The “Day on the Hill” was successful
in bringing together and mobilizing committed community members
and Congressional leaders in unprecedented force to bring immediate
relief for the survivors of the earthquake in Pakistan.
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