DCM Aslam Khan spoke on launch of the Early Recovery Plan

Deputy Chief of Mission , Mr. Muhammad Aslam Khan, hosted a reception at his residence, on May 23, 2006, to highlight the launch of the Early Recovery Plan.

Mr. Aslam Khan expressed appreciation of the people of Pakistan for the outstanding support and sympathy extended by Pakistani Americans to the affectees of last year's earthquake. He also appreciated the support extended by the American government and public as well as the private sector and civil society organizations. Mr. Aslam Khan gave a brief account of the relief operations in the quake affected areas, and explained Pakistan 's strategy for reconstruction. He drew attention to the Early Recovery Plan that has recently been launched jointly by the Government of Pakistan and the U.N at Islamabad , Geneva and New York . The plan envisages a smooth transition from relief and rehabilitation to reconstruction phase. Its main purpose is to seek conversion of the pledges already made into concrete projects.

The CARE Pakistan Country Director, Navaraj Gyawali, who was present on the occasion, gave a detailed account of CARE's operations in Pakistan . He praised the resilience of the Pakistani people in face of an unprecedented disaster.

The reception was attended by representatives of DC-based NGOs and corporations which have contributed in the earthquake relief activities. Some prominent members of the Pakistani-American community also attended the event.