Birmingham mosque continues efforts to help the people of Pakistan affected by the floods

 Image by Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre

“The devastation left by the floods in Pakistan is still very much raw and the desperation is apparent. The latest estimates place around 2,000 people dead, thousands injured and more than 2 million homes damaged or destroyed. Millions of people remain displaced in make-shift tents, as flood water has not relented in a third of the country,” Birmingham mosque Green Lane Masjid & Community Centre wrote in a statement.

Last month, the mosque held a fundraising dinner and raised an astonishing £115,000 during the night. The money raised and pledged will be used to build around 60 flood-resistant brick shelters to house displaced families. It launched an appeal to support those who have been affected by the floods, which is ongoing.

The Taskforce GLM Head of Projects, Liakat Younis, was on the ground recently, as part of one of his many visits to Pakistan with their partner, UK charity Islamic Relief, to deliver aid and assess how the situation has developed and what is still needed to support those affected by the floods.

Younis stressed, “The world seems to be turning its attention away from Pakistan at a time when it needs it most. The water has not receded much and the cold winter is approaching. In the north it snows and I can imagine frozen lakes of flood water. We need to remain focused and keep campaigning. The flood victims urgently need housing and shelter from what’s coming.”

At GLM, the members have been tirelessly answering urgent calls from the people of Pakistan who need help and aid:

• They have sent hundreds of thousands of pounds in emergency donations.
• The Taskforce team alongside Islamic Relief, are on the ground delivering food and medical aid.
• Almost £50,000 was raised during an emergency radio appeal on Unity FM in September after the floods first hit.
• During the Friday congregational prayers, thousands of pounds have been raised.
• Bucket collections were held in their local Morrisons and Al Halal supermarkets.
• They are continuing to raise awareness through the media on BBC radio, TV and Birmingham Mail.

To donate to this urgent cause, please visit www.taskforceglm.org/pakistan.