News
World community has confidence in Pakistani flood relief efforts: Embassy Spokesman
WASHINGTON, Sept 12 (APP): Pakistan is pursuing an effective plan to utilize international aid for relief and recovery of flood victims and the world community has reposed its confidence in the ability of relevant government departments to deliver efficiently, an embassy spokesman said in a letter appearing in The Washington Post.“The people of Pakistan and the international community have placed their confidence in the abilities of the federal and provincial governments and Pakistani national institutions such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to help flood victims,” Press Attache at the Pakistani embassy in Washington Nadeem Kiani wrote.
The spokesman rejected a “dismissive assessment of flood relief and rehabilitation efforts,” by analyst Ahmed Rashid, that was published by the Post a few days back.
The spokesman also pointed out the massiveness of the humanitarian catastrophe, saying the floods have affected more people -- 20 million—than were affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti combined. The cost of rehabilitation and rebuilding could exceed $15 billion, he estimated.
“Pakistanis are brave and resilient. I am optimistic we will emerge from this disaster and build a new and better life for our people. Pakistan’s government has developed an effective strategy to channel domestic and international aid to the devastated areas, and it has responded efficiently and transparently,” the official said.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk