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Chairman Senate urge world community to write off Pakistan’s debt
LONDON, Oct 10 (APP): The international community has been urged to write off Pakistan’s debt as it was the best way to reward the country for its front line role in the war against terror as well as to help recover it economically from the devastating floods.Speaking at a charity fund raising dinner for the flood victims of Pakistan here last night, Chairman Senate, Farooq Naek, appealed to the donor countries, international financial institutions and relevant international organizations, the private sector and civil society to extend their full support and assistance to Pakistan to enable it recover quickly from debilitating effects of the floods.The event was arranged by “Umeed” charity which has partnered with global humanitarian organisation Oxfam to supply vital medication to one thousand flood affected villages in Pakistan for six months.The Chairman of the Upper House spoke of Pakistan’s enormous contributions in the war against terror and said the country is fighting this war for the civilised world.We are committed to fight against terrorism despite many challenges. We are not counted by threat of the terrorists despite the fact we lost our great leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as well as thousand of civilians and brave soldiers. “Today after what we have done for the world, what sacrifices we have given, it is high time for the world to come forward and help the Pakistani nation in the catastrophe they are facing in the shape of flood disaster.”
Naek called for a swift action to mitigate adverse impacts of the floods and said this could be achieved by writing off or rescheduling Pakistan’s debt, providing market access to revive the national economy and invest in medium and long term rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
He emphasized that though the relief efforts were underway, the global community had to come forward to reinforce the relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of the Pakistan Government.
Quoting figures, Naek spoke of the ferocity of the floods and said the country had never been struck by such a colossal natural calamity which submerged area the size of England.
“Despite this huge disaster, the people of Pakistan are resolute in their determination to overcome these challenges. They are responding to these challenges with courage and fortitude.”
Chairman Senate, told the gathering that Pakistani Government has constituted a national council of disaster management which is ensuring that each and every penny received is used transparently, effectively and efficiently and for this purpose a website has been created and monetary help has been going to the flood affected people through “Watan cards”.
“We are determined to rebuild a better and a more vibrant Pakistan through opportunities created by adversity,” he stressed.
He assured that the democratic government is fully committed to tirelessly work for the flood affectees till all of them are returned to their normal life.
Naek recalled his recent visit to Geneva where he attended annual meeting of Inter-Parliamentary Union and said 123 nations passed a resolution after day long debate appreciating the work of Pakistani Government for the flood victims and calling upon the international financial institutions as well as the donor countries to write off the debts of Pakistan.
International assistance, he pointed out, can be given in many ways to the flood victims and people of Pakistan.
There are instances where catastrophes have fallen upon countries and the world came forward for their help. So we hope that our friends in the world will come forward and help us, he said.
Pakistan High Commissioner to the UK Wajid Shamsul Hasan in his brief remarks lauded the humanitarian work of both “Umeed” and Oxfam in the flood affected regions of the country.
He also mentioned the effective rescue and relief operation by the Government to rescue the people which helped to minimise the loss of human lives given the vast magnitude of the disaster.
British Muslim Parliamentarian Lord Nazir Ahmed complimented the two organisations for their noble gesture in helping the flood victims through their humanitarian aid in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh and to supply much need medication to one thousand villages for six months to help save lives.
Faisal Gillani, partnership development manager with Oxfam, explained how the charity responded to disaster through its swift humanitarian assistance. Noted Pakistani singer Rajab Ali entertained the gathering at the end.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk