KARACHI, Dec 16: A fund raising auction of Islamic calligraphy by renowned artist Dr Ahmed Moustafa, for rebuilding earthquake zones, has been organised by the National Commission for Human Development in Pearl Continental hotel this evening. The Bristol-based Earthquake Appeal Team is the moving spirit behind the campaign.

The auction of art for healing at the Pearl Continental, from 7 to 11 pm, will be the third in a series of such auctions at which Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad will also be present. Similar events have already been held at Lahore and in Islamabad.

It all began after the devastating October 8 earthquake when Adeela and Ijaz Shafi launched an initial relief work campaign on a radio station in Bristol and raised 117,000 Pound Sterling in just 12 days and travelled to Pakistan to distribute relief among the affected people.

The team’s work focused on the mountain town of Batal. The devastation there was so vast that the team felt much more needed to be done. In April 2006 they organised a Gala Fundraising Dinner and raised 33,000 Pound Sterling. The most significant offering was that donated by Dr Ahmed Moustafa. He donated signed pieces of artwork which sold for four thousand Pound Sterling. He was so moved by the campaign that he further donated 45 of his pieces for this cause. The acclaimed Islamic artist was now a part of the team.

The auction is for the benefit of the children of the earthquake affected areas.

The NCHD has joined the team for providing sustainable relief to the quake hit people and the school in Batal, on which they were working on, was a joint venture. This means that children can resume the schooling they were receiving prior to the earthquake.