Washington DC, October 20th, 2005

The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee President-elect, Dr. Raza Bokhari spoke to the United States Congressional Pakistan Caucus. Dr. Bokhari thanked the members for coming together urgently to understand and identify how to best help the people of Pakistan at this critical time. He further informed the members how this disaster has been claimed by United Nations to be much more significant and severe compared to the Tsunami disaster of 2004. He mentioned that it is paramount that United States Congress provides leadership and guidance to the people of Pakistan as to how they should respond to the social, economic, political and financial challenges. He requested that the US congress immediately acts to appropriate $1 billion over the next three years to help earthquake victims repopulate, rehabilitate and revitalize, and also requested to send an open letter of awareness to major US Charitable foundations and humane organizations to afford keen attention to the earthquake victims in Pakistan. This meeting was attended by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D), along with Congressman Dan Burton (R) both co chairing the Caucus. Many other members of Congress actively participated.