BPF Statement on Pakistan Earthquake

October 10, 2005

The Buddhist Peace Fellowship sends our thoughts and prayers to the citizens of Pakistan, in the wake of the earthquake that has struck this region on October 8. As of this date, more than 20,000 people have been reported dead.

Over the past year, so many people across the globe have been impacted by major natural disasters–tsunamis, hurricanes, and now an earthquake. These disasters have a way of bringing together governments that have been conflicted over political differences, such as is now happening with Pakistan and India. We can also take heart in seeing how the generosity that is part of the human spirit, the paramita in Buddhism called dana, arises naturally during such times. We know that BPF members have responded generously in the past to those who have suffered in these disasters. We encourage them to do so once again, in whatever way they can. We offer some suggestions below.

Please send donations to:

• Relief organizations associated with the  Muslim Hurricane Relief Task Force ( www.mhrtf.net ).

• The Association of Pakistani Physicians of North America (APPNA) has also established the "APPNA Earthquake Relief Fund 2005." Checks may be sent to: APPNA Earthquake Relief Fund 2005, 6414 S. Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL, 60559 TEL: 630-968-8585, E-Mail: appna@appna.org (APPNA is seeking physician volunteers to help in the earthquake areas.)

• Islamic Relief:   http://www.irw.org/asiaquake/

Islamic Relief has three full-time offices near the earthquake-affected areas in Islamabad, Neelum Valley, and Muzaffarabad. Islamic Relief's healthcare center in Neelum Valley (in Pakistani-administered Kashmir) is receiving and treating the injured. So far, up to 2,000 victims have been treated at the Neelum Valley center.