The MC delegation comprising its Convenor Mahmood Riaz, Mohammad Ayub, Mohammed Sheraz Khan , Mohammad Arched Khan and Ziarat Hussein, earlier in the day handed over a memorandum to the 10-Downing Street urging British Government to "sanction more aid" for the quake-ravaged areas of Azad Kashmir and North West Frontier Province.
Riaz who returned here after visiting the quake-shattered areas said the modalities of this proposal had yet to be worked out and discussed with the concerned British and Pakistani authorities. But in view if this was accepted by the British Government, it could help in lessening the miseries of the quake-afflicted children. It is a very sensitive matter hence its all aspects have to be considered carefully, he added.
Muslim Conference (MC) UK has convened a special meeting on Sunday to evolve a long-term strategy to launch fund-raising drive across Britain as rehabilitation and reconstruction of the three million people were going to be long haul.
He urged British public, Pakistani expatriates and British Kashmiris to make generous contribution to President Musharraf's Relief Fund, adding all the money collected by MC would go to the Fund.
The mosques across the UK should continue their fund-raising efforts and should play a vanguard role in collecting more money to meet the cost of rehabilitation and reconstruction which would exceed 5 billion dollar.
Besides he urged British Pakistanis and Kashmris to involve their Mayors, Deputy Mayors and local councillors and press the British Government commit more funds for the relief work in the quake-affected mountainous terrain which would be in the grip of icy weather within three to four weeks.
"Unless the task of reconstruction is accomplished, the fund-raising drive has to continue," said Riaz who heaped praise on Pakistani nation and Pakistan Army, who he said, had proved at this critical juncture that Kashmir was the jugular vein of Pakistan.
He commended all political forces of the country for mobilising their resources to send in truckloads of relief goods, which mirrored their love for the people of Kashmir.
Riaz also eulogised the work being done by Pakistani missions in Europe particularly Pakistan High Commission London which sprang into action within hours of the catastrophe and set up Emergency Visa Desks at the main UK airports and round the clock consular service to facilitate British Kashmiris travel to Pakistan.
Mahmood Riaz said in their memorandum to British Prime Minister Tony Blair, thanked him for a quick response by sending a rescue team of experts which helped pluck many people alive from rubble in Islamabad and Muzaffarabad. It also applauded British public for making generous contribution for victims of Asian earthquake.
Secondly the memorandum had urged Blair to use Britain's European union's Presidency to convince EU member to pledge more money for the relief and reconstruction of the quake-battered areas.
"We hope Prime Minister, you will use your immense influence with your European community partners to sanction more aid for the quake victims in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir," said their memorandum to the Downing Street.
Raja Mohammad Ayub on the occasion lauded role of both British and Pakistani media which generated a good response from British public and Pakistani expatriates in form of their contribution in the relief efforts.
MC leaders called upon the community to continue their endeavours to raise money for the quake-hit people as it would take years to rehabilitate them.