In a statement on October 27, President Bush had named five distinguished private sector leaders to work with other Americans to raise awareness and resources to help those in need as a result of this disaster.
The business leaders include Jeff Imnelt, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the General Electric Company; Hank Mckinnell Jr, Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Inc; Sandy Weill, Chairman of Citigroup Inc; Anne Mulcahy, Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation and Jim Kelly, former Chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service of America Inc.
The private sector efforts would complement assistance from the US government, which is providing funding, relief supplies and military logistic support.
The United States, it may be recalled, has raised pledge for Pakistan earthquake assistance. At the United Nations-sponsored donors' conference in Geneva on October 26, the United States announced a commitment of $156 million to Pakistan for earthquake assistance.
The US package includes $50 million for humanitarian relief, $50 million for reconstruction and $56 million to support Defence Department relief operations.
"America's response has been immediate and generous, consistent with our deep commitment to Pakistan," said USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios, who led the US delegation of State and Defence Department representatives at the Geneva conference.
"The United States will remain active in relief and reconstruction efforts through its aid programs, unique military capabilities and private sector efforts," he stated.
According to an update on US response, US has so far spent $24.5 million for commodities and support for relief organisations providing emergency assistance. In particular, the United States is focused on addressing the urgent need for shelter as winter sets in.