US lawmaker assures help for Pakistan in eradicating polio

Republican Congressman Daniel Donovan also vows to protect rights of American Muslims

NEW YORK: A US lawmaker has said he would help make Pakistan a polio-free country and also pledged to protect the rights of American Muslims.

Speaking at a gathering of US citizens of Pakistani origin at the Pakistan Consulate General in New York on Saturday, Republican Congressman Daniel Donovan said the US constitution guaranteed freedom of religion, and therefore there would be no ban on Muslims coming to the country.
Congressman Donovan, an activist in the fight against polio, said he
would take every step possible to boost Pakistan's efforts in eradicating the disease.

A documentary was screened on the polio immunisation campaign in
Pakistan.
Donovan thanked Pakistan Consul General Raja Ali Ejaz for organising the event and paid tributes to the America's Pakistani community for their hard work and contribution.

Welcoming Donovan, Consul General Ejaz gave a brief
background of the Pakistan-US relationship and expressed hope that the ties between the two countries would continue to grow.
Pakistani-American community leaders Dr Inam-ul-Haq and Dr Suhail Muzaffar spoke about their efforts to improve health and education facilities in Pakistan.
Pakistan PolioPlus Committee Chairman Aziz Memon flew in from London to participate in the event, where he said Rotarians from over 200 countries would meet in Atlanta, Georgia, in June to discuss various topics focusing on the eradication of polio.
He said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was invited to speak to around 20,000 Rotarians but he was busy with several engagements at home and would not be able to attend the event. Instead, he will send a taped message to the conference.
Hanif Channa, an officer of the consulate general, conducted the
proceedings. Shafique Siddique, a community activist, delivered the vote-of-thanks speech to Congressman Donovan and all those involved in organising the event.