NEW YORK, May 10 Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced on Saturday the creation of a first ever umbrella organisation of the Pakistani diaspora, the Pak-American Foundation.

Representatives of some 90 political, social, cultural and economic organisations and human rights activists attended a meeting which was chaired by Mr Qureshi and attended by US Ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson, Pakistan's UN Ambassador Husain Haroon and Ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani.

The decision to create such an organisation was unanimous, Mr Qureshi told reporters after a three-hour meeting.

A steering committee was set up to do the groundwork for the foundation, such as registration, and to complete other formalities, he said. The foundation will have its own website.

Mr Qureshi said the atmosphere at the meeting was “very positive” and those present expressed their desire to do their part for Pakistan which was beset with a number of challenges and difficulties.

“It was a good day for Pakistan; it was a happy day,” he said.

The foundation, on the lines of Irish Foundation set up when that country was in difficulties, would not be political in nature. The initiative to set up the foundation was taken by Mr Qureshi and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton whose message was read out at the meeting.

Mr Qureshi said the foundation would be an independent body, not dependent on any government. The Pakistan government and the State Department would act only as facilitators.

The individuals who took part in Saturday's meeting have expertise in various spheres and they would continue to work for the organisations they are currently serving.

The main objective of the organisation is to “serve Pakistan” and to speak with one voice without being influenced by the government of the day or any individual.

Mr Qureshi agreed that the theme of the body would be “ask not what Pakistan can do for you ask what you can do for Pakistan”.