The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA) expressing solidarity with earthquake-stricken Turkish brethren, has donated $350,000 for rehabilitation and construction of houses for the calamity stricken people of Türkiye. Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Masood Khan along with the APPNA delegation visited the Embassy of Turkey in Washington DC and handed over contributions made by Pakistani doctors of North America to the Turkish Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan. The delegation headed by President APPNA Dr. Arshad Rehan included Dr. Rasheed Piracha, Dr. Attiq Samdani, Dr. Tayyab  Rana, Dr. Rashid Hanif, and Dr. Irfan Suleman. Dr Tayyab  Rana, Treasurer APPNA, presented the cheque.

Speaking on the occasion, Masood Khan said that when the earthquake had struck Turkiye, it had hit Pakistan directly because “Türkiye is our second home and foreign motherland.” He said that APPNA was the most professional organization of Pakistani-American doctors in the United States with outstanding contributions in health sector and disaster relief. He said that APPNA, a body of 3500 members, represented nearly 20,000 doctors serving in the United States as well as Canada. “APPNA felt the pain of brothers and sisters of Türkiye. They heeded to the call from Turkish leadership and within one hour, they were able to raise more than $350,000 for their Turkish brethren in need,” the Ambassador said.  

Ambassador Hasan Mercan thanked Ambassador Masood Khan and APPNA leadership for their sentiments and generous contribution that clearly reflected the attachment of the people of Pakistan with Türkiye and its people. Talking to the Turkish Ambassador, President APPNA Dr. Arshad Rehan highlighted strong bonds existing between the people of two countries and said that Pakistani community in United Stated felt the pain when the devastation struck the people of Türkiye. He said that the APPNA offered every possible medical assistance to the calamity stricken people. The donation by APPNA was a reflection of the sentiments of our community, he continued.

Senior member and former President APPNA, Dr. Rasheed Piracha, speaking on the occasion, recalled cherished memories of his trip to Türkiye adding  that “the bonds between our people have been there for years and they will continue forever.” Dr. Arshad Rehan also invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and Turkish Ambassador to attend APPNA’s Summer Convention which would be held in Dallas this year in July.

Ambassador Masood Khan also lauded the statesmanship of his Turkish counterpart who, he said, had raised the status of Turkey as a nation. He also appreciated the services of Ambassador Mercan for Pakistani-American community and bringing the communities together. Reciprocating warm sentiments of Ambassador Khan and the APPNA delegation, Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan said the feelings were mutual. Acknowledging the contribution made by Pakistani community and especially organizations like APPNA, Ambassador Mercan said that half of the medical supplies that were received by Türkiye were sent from the United States and were contributed by Muslim and other communities. He also appreciated the contributions made by Islamic Circle of North America toward relief activities for the affected population.

“We will never forget the help provided by our Pakistani brethren during our testing times,” he said. Ambassador Mercan also suggested greater coordination, networking and exchanges between doctors community of the two countries to build repository of knowledge and sharing of expertise. The APPNA delegation welcomed the suggestion and observed that the organization was eager to build a strong professional partnership with its Turkish counterparts.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP