Winnipeg man providing aid in flood-stricken Pakistan says it will take years to repair damage
Posted September 11, 2022 6:24 pm.
Last Updated September 11, 2022 6:26 pm.
Masroor Khan travelled from Winnipeg to Pakistan to provide humanitarian aid and is doing anything he can to help.
The devastating flood in Pakistan has displaced millions of people, leaving them without homes, food and water. It has also claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people, and injured thousands more.
Khan has been in the country since the end of August. He says the situation continues to worsen.
“When I came to Pakistan, I didn’t think the situation would be this bad, the devastation would be on such a high magnitude,” he said.
“Their livelihoods have completely crippled. Their houses have washed away.”
READ: Winnipeg’s Pakistani community devastated by flooding in home country
Khan has been going to several villages that have been hit hard by flooding. In addition to the major need for medicine, food and water, he says fixing all the infrastructure is going to take a long time.
“It is a big challenge,” said Khan. “It is going to take up to four or five years just to rehabilitate people and get them integrated back into a normal life.”
Winnipeg’s Masroor Khan in Pakistan. (Credit: Masroor Khan/handout)
On Saturday night, the Canada Pakistan Trade and Cultural Association of Manitoba held a fundraising event for relief efforts in Pakistan.
Khan’s brother Hamza Khan says they raised $200,000.
“The people of Pakistan need your help because god forbid, this could happen to you,” said Hamza. “Please help out, a dollar, a cent, even anything would do.”
Hamza says the money will be sent to the hardest hit areas in Pakistan.
“Imagine living outside where you don’t have your home, don’t have your bed to sleep in, don’t have shelter, you sleep outside,” he said. “You don’t have food or the required medicine as well.”
Back in Pakistan, Masroor Khan stresses the importance for people to donate to help with relief efforts.
“Canada stands up for human rights; Canada stands up for climate change; Canada stands up for global warming,” said Masroor Khan. This is an issue that has been augmented by climate change. Canada needs to be a pioneer and leader in helping out in this cause.”
Winnipeg’s Masroor Khan in Pakistan. (Credit: Masroor Khan/handout)
