Donate generously to volunteer organizations: President
By Makhdoom Babar

ISLAMABAD—President General Pervez Musharraf, appreciating the spirit of voluntarism among the people, appealed to the philanthropists on Wednesday to contribute and donate generously to the volunteer organizations like the Pakistan Red Crescent Society to continue their noble work.
He was addressing a function here at the national headquarters of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), to honour the volunteers of the society who participated in the relief and rehabilitation work in the earthquake hit areas of AJK and NWFP.
President Musharraf said there is no shortage of philanthropists in Pakistan, adding that they have proved it when the country was hit by devastated earthquake last October. The President said, “The whole nation showed solidarity when it was galvanized and every one extended help and assistance to their brothers and sisters following the disaster of earthquake.”
He said the government also launched National Volunteer Movement with a view to further mobilize and channelize the efforts of the volunteers who wanted to work for the help of others in case of any emergency or natural disaster. The President appreciated the contribution and services of PRCS said it had played an important role to help the people affected due to natural calamities. President Musharraf said in case of any disaster or natural calamity, the country should be prepared to face the challenges like communication glut, supply of food, shelter and medicines without any direction. Referring to experience of the government in tackling the aftermath of the last October devastating earthquake, the President said due to tremendous response from the public and international community, there was over-flow of goods, medicines and other things for the affected people.
He said Pakistan’s experience had been very successful and it has been appreciated throughout the world as well as by the United Nations. President Musharraf said the quick and timely response by the government and especially by the Pakistan Army, there was no death due to shortage of food, lack of medicine or cold weather, which showed that there was plenty of food, medicines, temporary shelter and blankets. President Musharraf said it is a matter of great pride and honour that Pakistani nation spent Rs. 90 billion last year on philanthropist activities.
Appreciating the role of PRCS, the President said this organization played very important and leading role in the relief and rehabilitation work in the quake hit areas. He also thanked the Red Crescent Societies of Turkey and Kuwait to help their Pakistani counterpart in the relief and rescue operation. The President said no country could always be ready to face the natural disaster. He said only the volunteers like PRCS and other such welfare organizations extend their help and cooperation to the government in tackling the natural disasters and calamities.
He said, “I have been a great admirer of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement because of its humanitarian services rendered without discrimination of color, class, creed, nationality, race, gender, religious belief or political opinion.” Referring to the relief and rehabilitation work done in the earthquake hit areas, the President said the government is fully prepared to face the challenges and to convert them into opportunities for betterment and improvement in the affected areas.
He said the whole country rose to the occasion to meet the challenge of earthquake and every one participated whole heartedly in the rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts.President Musharraf said 500,000 houses have to be rebuilt in the earthquake affected areas while the infrastructure in medical and educational sectors have to be rebuilt. He said the affected areas need to rebuild schools, colleges, dispensaries, basic health units and hospitals.
He said in the rehabilitation phase, there is need to provide help and assistance to orphans, widows and those who have become incapacitated. Referring to four phases of challenges after natural disasters like earthquake based on Pakistan’s experience, the President said that there was “communication glut” near all affected areas due to over flow of the vehicles carrying relief goods.