Hindu Americans raise $18000 for Pakistani religious minorities denied food aid

Washington, DC (April 15, 2020) — After several media reports that NGOs coordinating activities with the Government of Pakistan were denying food aid to non-Muslims following implementation of the nation’s coronavirus-related travel restrictions, the Hindu American Foundation urgently partnered with the Haray Rama Foundation in Sindh province to ensure food and supplies for religious minorities there.

In a matter of 72 hours, people from across the US responded to HAF’s appeal, contributing $12,000 — $6000 for Pakistani Hindus denied food aid in Sindh, as well as an additional $6000 for Pakistani Hindu refugees living in camps in Jodhpur, India. The Sindhi Hindu American community committed an additional $6000 in matching funds, raising the total disbursement funds to $18,000.

HAF’s Managing Director, Samir Kalra, Esq. issued the following statement:

“Over the past decade, we’ve seen and heard directly from Pakistani Hindu refugees in India and religious minorities in Pakistan about the unimaginable difficulties and dangers they face as a result of institutional and social discrimination. COVID-19 lockdowns have only amplified their suffering. We’re grateful to everyone who responded to our call for solidarity. Their generosity will help our on-ground partner, Haray Rama Foundation in South Punjab, Pakistan, provide food to vulnerable minority communities, and it will provide food and supplies to refugees in Jodhpur, who HAF has supported for years through our Medical Seva programming in partnership with the Sindhi Hindu community.”