Flood relief: US convoy stopped from leaving Karachi

Embassy officials were on their way to monitor work.

KARACHI: A convoy of US embassy and consulate officials were held up at the toll plaza on Super Highway on Wednesday morning by the Gadap police station personnel on the pretext that their papers, including the requisite No-Objection Certificate was not with them.

However, after a few hours, all vehicles, except for one, were allowed to proceed to their designated stop-overs in Badin and other flood-affected areas.

A US embassy official from Islamabad, Mark Stroke, denied the police version that their papers were not in order. “In fact, the approval was obtained one week before from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs according to the normal procedure,” he said.

Stroke added that not only had the names of the US embassy and consulate officials in the convoy been submitted for approval, but the vehicle numbers were also provided. About the vehicle that was sent back, he said, “There was one vehicle in the convoy that had the function of being used for mechanical work in relief operations. It was not allowed to proceed, so it was sent back.”

The argument at the checkpost where routine snap checking is conducted resulted in a delay. The spokesperson said it was unfortunate that the incident took place, when, “All that we are trying to do is work more closely with the NGOs on the ground and monitor closely the flood relief operations taking place in Badin and other towns affected.”

The US embassy claims that through its efforts and donations to international and local NGOs, more than 20,000 families affected have been provided with relief.

The spokesperson declined to comment why he thought the convoy was stopped. But said that, “Even though the police say they were carrying out a routine procedure, TV camera crews were already stationed at the spot.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2011.