NEW YORK, Oct 28: Over 100 tons of relief goods — winterized tents, winter clothing, blankets — donated by Pakistani and American people, are lying at New York’s John Kennedy Airport as Pakistan International Airlines is unable to cope with the huge load of donated items.

Pakistan’s deputy permanent representatives at the United Nations told Dawn that the government was trying to enlist support of NATO or some other entity which had big planes to help transport the goods to Pakistan.

“Time is running out – an additional 160 helicopters must be dispatched immediately to aid relief missions or thousands more will needlessly die, and only a handful of governments can make this happen. We must step up (our efforts) now or forever regret our inaction,” Dilawar Syed of the Organization of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North America said in a statement.

“The US must not miss a unique opportunity for public diplomacy with Pakistan, a key ally. The Bush administration ultimately delivered the much needed – and appreciated – tsunami relief to Indonesia. Now is the time to make a similar commitment to South Asia ,” said S. Asif Alam, president of the Association of Pakistani Professionals.