FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

September 6, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: clarke.comms@mail.house.gov

c: 347.387.5123

Brooklyn, NY — Last Friday, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) held a press conference alongside her fellow elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholder groups to highlight the crisis devastating Northern Pakistan following the severe flooding from monsoon rains that have left more than 30 percent of Pakistan underwater and more than 33 million people impacted. 

As the Congressional representative of the largest Pakistani and Pakistani-American constituency in the United States, Congresswoman Clarke stood beside diaspora representatives asking for compassion and relief for the innocent people of Pakistan.  She and her fellow speakers emphasized the need for the beleaguered nation to receive further federal aid following the insufficient initial aig package of $30 million. Additionally, Congresswoman Clarke announced she will lead a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas urging the Biden Administration’s immediate designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) upon Pakistani Nationals residing in the U.S. 

“The sheer scale of human tragedy currently striking at the heart of the people of Pakistan is difficult to take in. On behalf of  myself and the people of the 9th District of NY, I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to all those who have been impacted by the loss of life and massive displacement of their loved ones as a result of the catastrophic Monsoon that struck Pakistan this past weekend. With more than a thousand innocent, precious lives already confirmed as lost, millions of homes destroyed, and tens of millions of Pakistanis displaced due to horrific flooding, we cannot and must not turn a blind eye to the impossible hardships confronting the Pakistani people. Now, more than ever, our collective humanity must shine through,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke “To my Pakistani and Pakistani-American constituents in New York and those across this nation, know this: our community stands with you in this hour of need and despair. This city is yours. Through the horrors and challenges this week has delivered, please know that I stand with you to bring the resources of our United States government to bear in assistance with the process of recovery and rebuilding. Also know that I, and so many of our fellow Brooklynites, offer our prayers to you, your imperiled loved ones, and your beloved homeland, so that you each may see brighter tomorrows. Through the love of Allah and his mercy, along with the indomitable spirit of the Pakistani people, I know you will persist.”

“I join the Pakistani-American community in Brooklyn, New York City and the greater United States in mourning those lost in the flooding in Pakistan. My prayers are with all who the monsoons have affected. I was heartened to see that the United States provided the Pakistani people with $30 million in humanitarian assistance through USAID earlier this week, and will continue to work with my colleagues on all levels of government to provide additional support during this time of need_,” said Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.

“The Pakistani community is an internal part of Brooklyn, and our brothers and sisters with roots in the country have made it clear that they need our help. When my home country of Haiti was in crisis, the Pakistani community helped our island nation with enthusiasm. Now, with more than 3 million Pakistanis displaced by severe flooding and 1 million homes destroyed, I urge all New Yorkers to do all that they can to help the Pakistani people,” said Councilmember Rita Joseph.

Representatives of the NYPD Muslim Officers Society, the NYPD, COPO, PASWO, ACMW, MCC, the Bridge, PAYS, and other dedicated stakeholder groups joined Congresswoman Clarke for Friday’s press conference.

If you would like to contribute to relief efforts for the people of Pakistan, please note the following information:

Donation Locations:

• 1077 Coney Island Ave.
  • Brooklyn, NY 11230
  • (Mon-Fri, 9AM -4PM) (929) 842-7529
• 236 Neptune Ave. 
  • Brooklyn, NY 11235
  • (646) 643-3746
• 235 S Broadway, 
  • Hicksville, NY 11801
  • (516) 937-9797
• 66 Broadway
  • Greenlawn, NY 11740
  • 8AM – 9PM
• 1117 Coney Island Ave
  • Brooklyn, NY 11230
  • (917) 399-8335

Urgently needed items for donation:

• New Clothing (For Men And Women)
• New Hijabs
• Diaper Cream
• Baby Formula
• Diapers
• Baby Bottles
• Baby Food
• Wipes
• Blankets
• Tents
• Mosquito Repellants
• First-Aid Kits
• Off The Counter Medicine
• Jackets 
• Women’s Hygiene Products

The Government of Pakistan established the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund for providing relief and rehabilitation to the affected population due to torrential rains and flash floods in many parts of the country. Overseas Pakistanis can donate/contribute through the following:

• Wire Transfer: Overseas donors, including overseas Pakistanis, may donate to the Fund through wire transfer in the Fund account maintained with their respective bank. 
• Transfer through Money Service Bureaus, Money Transfer Operators, and Exchange Houses: Overseas donors may also donate/contribute through Money Service Bureaus, Money Transfer Operators, and Exchange Houses in line with the arrangements in place for receiving home remittances.

###

Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn. Clarke is a Senior Member of both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and House Committee on Homeland Security, where she serves as Chair of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Innovation Subcommittee.