The Bestway Group on September 23 organised a fund-raising event at London's Intercontinental on Park Lane to raise money for the devastating floods that rocked Pakistan recently and the money which was raised eventually far exceeded the target.
The event was attended by more than 650 guests, including the Lord chancellor; the deputy governor of the State Bank of Pakistan; British cabinet ministers and members of the parliament; industry captains; and diplomats, among others.
The goal was to raise US$1.5 million (£1.3 million) to facilitate the relief effort in the South Asian nation where the floods have not only claimed several thousands of lives but also left the economy battered and it ended up raising $2.3 million (£2 million).
Lord Zameer Mohammed Choudrey CBE SI Pk, chief executive of the Bestway Group, thanked on behalf of the group's founder, Sir Anwar Pervez OBE H Pk, and the board of directors, every individual and corporate who responded to the funds-raising appeal and said work was already underway on the ground to give relief to those affected by the natural calamity -- in the form of building houses and shelters for 5,000 families; provision of clean water for more than 100,000 individuals; and food and medical supplies to over 20,000 people.
"We set ourselves an ambitious target to raise US$ 1.5 million to help aid the relief effort in the country. The great news is that in a few short weeks, we have raised a staggering US$ 2.3 million. This is a fantastic result, and I am incredibly humbled by what we have achieved collectively," Lord Choudrey said.
He also said that it was just the beginning of a long road to rehabilitation and reconstruction; and requested people to continue donating to the cause and help raise the fund amount to more than US$3 million (£2.66 million).
People could also donate to Bestway Foundation UK Account No. 21809997; Sort Code: 40-22-26.
Bob Blackman MP speaks during the event