Pakistani artists Strings visit flood-stricken children

Bilal Maqsood, left, and Faisal Kapadia, both of the Pakistani pop-rock band Strings, hand out toys and gifts to children during a visit to a UAE medical clinic in Thatta, Pakistan.

THATTA // A member of one of Pakistan's most successful musical acts says "not giving is not an option", after he met some of the youngest victims of the floods.

"The numbers are just so big and most of the people are so poor," said Bilal Maqsood, half of the duo Strings.

Maqsood and Faisal Kapadia, who are brand ambassadors for Etihad Airways, were on hand yesterday to distribute hundreds of gifts, donated by the carrier, during a visit to the UAE International Humanitarian Field Children's Hospital in Thatta.

"It was good to see the UAE contributing," said Kapadia. But added that while Pakistan continues to grapple with the scope of the disaster, those in a position to help - including members of the diaspora - must continue to give support.

"Overseas, Pakistanis have always played a huge role and have again this time - people in the UK, US and the Middle East, have sent a lot of funds to Pakistan," said Mr Kapadia.

"The problem is huge and we as Pakistanis also don't really realise the extent. It's not just about food, but also what will happen in the future. There is a huge concern."