He was talking to LCCI President Mian Shafqat Ali here at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. Among others, Vice-President Aftab Ahmad Vohra also attended the meeting.
The US Principal Officer maintained that the US had already handed over a cash donation of $156 million while more money is in the pipeline.
As many as 1000 US personnel are active in affected areas while 30 US helicopters are engaged in providing relief goods to the victims of this devastating earthquake. Brian Heath said, although it is very difficult to define the magnitude of the destruction caused by the earthquake, but response from the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry at this time of national crisis was so quick that it deserves appreciation.
Speaking on the occasion, the LCCI President, Mian Shafqat thanked the US government for extending a helping hand to Pakistan government in the hour of need.
He said that Pakistanis were appreciative of all the support received from United States of America after the disastrous earthquake of October 8.
The UN has put the cost of relief work to $6.5 billion. Various countries have already pledged around $1.5 to 2 billion. It means there is a need to raise almost 3 to 4 times this amount. More importantly, the population at risk in Kashmir, Mansehra, and Balakot against extreme weather conditions, and unhygienic living requires an urgent release of almost $450 million.
LCCI Vice President Aftab Ahmad Vohra threw light on the relief efforts made by the Lahore Chamber saying that so far this premier chamber of the country had given donations worth Rs 44 million in shape of cash and kind.
He said that settlement of displaced and homeless persons is one of the priorities of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry.