Report By: Misbah Naseer
… In the water which Allah sent down from the Heavens and brought with it life to Earth after being dead and gave life in it to every kind of land animal; [Quran 2.164]
Life on Earth cannot exist without water. Yet, 844 million people today do not have access to basic drinking water. Due to many factors including overpopulation, water wastage and climate change, many countries are already facing water scarcity or on their way to become water-stressed. Researchers have predicted that Pakistan will reach absolute water scarcity by 2025 and is on its way to becoming the most water-stressed country in the region by the year 2040.
In 2018, learning about the immediate threat of water shortage during a court case about a damn, then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Saqib Nisar ordered immediate work on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams and appealed to the general public to donate for the cause. An account with court’s registrar was established to collect donations. The cause has received its full endorsement from Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan who has appealed to Pakistanis worldwide to donate to the cause.
On March 24, a fundraiser was organized at Bombay Banquet Hall in Surrey by the BC Chapter of I am Pakistan Worldwide movement (IAPWM) which was established to promote awareness about dam fund and urge overseas Pakistanis to make donations to the dam fund. Three big associations including Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association, Pakistani Canadian Women’s society and Friends of Pakistan Canada Association joined hands and helped in making this event of 1000 + people a huge success.
Hasan Alam and Saima Naz hosted the beautiful evening which started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by singing of national anthems of Pakistan and Canada by young children. Various community members including Bilal Cheema, Asad Syed and Zahir Mahil offered their thanks to Pakistani Canadians as well as many Indo-Canadians and other ethnic community members who came to support the event. Ahmed Ali Syed, founder and chairman of IAPWM spoke about the importance of this cause and emphasized that transparency and accountability will be key in all fundraising activities. Faisal Javed Khan, Member of Senate of Pakistan also spoke at the event and described the dire need of water in Pakistan and the determination of the current government of Pakistan to bring the dam project to fruition. The keynote speaker of the event was Ret. Chief Justice, Mian Saqib Nisar, the man who has championed the cause. He spoke about the basic right of a human being to have access to clean water and the role of judiciary to ensure the fundamental rights of the citizens are met.
He thanked everyone for the support and encouraged everyone to generously support the fund.
The fund-raising efforts were spearheaded by Rizwan Samad who had specially come from Seattle for the event.
Local Punjabi community did a vital role in this fundraising for Dams.
Mr. Gosal Singh owner of York Centre Surrey, he donated $10, 000 dollars and promised to keep continued his support for this noble cause and said if in next 4 years Imran Khan will be Prime Minister of Pakistan, he will donate ten thousand more donation next year.
Imran Khan two Cricket Bats were also auctioned in this event, one for 10K and other for 15 K. Br, Fareed Ali donated fifty thousands dollars for the Dam fund.
Allah gives everyone rewards for their good deeds. Ameen.
His passionate pleas for support played a big role in raising close to $285-300,000 for the dam funds.
The Miracle Media Group continues to support this noble cause and encourages everyone to donate to the fund.
To send money directly to DAM fund
Account in Pakistan (Click Here)
Bank: State Bank of Pakistan
Account Name: SUPREME COURT OF
PAKISTAN DIAMER BASHA AND MOHMAND DAM FUND
Account No: 03-593-299999-001-4
IBAN: PK06SBPP0035932999990014
You can also donate to High commission of Canada in Ottawa.
Beneficiary Name:
High Commission for Pakistan
Address:10 Range Road, Ottawa,
Ontario, K1N 8J3
Beneficiary Account:321461997-154
Institution Number:001 Beneficiary Bank: Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Bank Address:340 Albert Street, Suite 1310, Ottawa, Ontario, K1R 7Y6
Swift Code: BOFMCAM2
