Victims of flooding in North West Pakistan have expressed their thanks for the Island’s support by way of a presentation to Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood.

Local fund raising led by Nobles Hospital doctor Emran Ghaffar collected a total of ?70,000 when devastating floods hit the country in 2010.

Now the head of the relief organization which received the money has visited the Island to thank Manx residents for their assistance, which helped more than 600 individuals and families.

Khalid Aziz, chairman of the Regional Institute of Policy Research and Training (RIPORT) based in Peshawar, conveyed the message when he and Dr Ghaffar met His Excellency at Government House on Wednesday November 23.

Mr Aziz explained that his visit was ‘to personally express the gratitude of the people of North West Pakistan to the residents of the Isle who were so generous with their help and assistance during the floods of 2010.’

The partnership between the Isle of Man fund raisers and RIPORT produced various forms of assistance to the affected community including:

- Distribution of two months food items to households
- Supply of cooked food to the needy who were living in temporary shelters
- Provision of financial assistance for the re-construction of homes damaged/destroyed by floods
- Distribution of warm jackets and shoes to the destitute created by the floods.

Mr Aziz said: ‘The distribution was undertaken without charging any overheads thus increasing the effectiveness of the donations and making them go a long way in helping the needy.’

He also praised the efforts of Dr. Emran and his team: ‘Without the organizing assistance and leadership of Dr. Emran Ghaffar, it would not have been possible to provide this help.’

Mr Aziz presented a RIPORT shield to the Governor as a mark of appreciation and a token of gratitude to the people of the Isle of Man.

- Ends -