News
Germany increases its pledge to 35 million Euro for flood victims of Pakistan
ISLAMABAD, Sep 24 (APP): Germany has increased its humanitarian assistance to the flood affected areas of Pakistan to Euro 35 million (Rs. 3.75 billion) which will be disbursed through various international organizations and NGOs. German ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Michael Koch while addressing a press conference here at German embassy said this Euro 35 million pledge equal to $47 million, is from German government alone while in kind assistance from German Ministry of Defence was in addition to this help.Giving further details of the German humanitarian assistance, the German embassador said these funds come in equal parts from the Federal foreign Office and the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
He said besides this assistance, the German Non Governmental Organizations, international committee of Red Cross and several UN humanitarian organizations are providing assistance on the ground.
He said German federal forces have provided donations in kind worth 3 million euro and the federal forces are also contributing to the NATO air bridge.
The ambassador said, “Germany is providing further support through various multilateral institutions that it co-finances, which have themselves made a substantial contribution to relief efforts.
Apart from the German federal government, he said, the citizens of German have donated 161 million euro (Rs. 17.2 billion) which was challenged through NGOs.
The ambassador said over 23 recipient German organizations are working in Pakistan on various projects in the flood affected areas and their contribution is not included in the German assistance of Rs. 3.75 billion pledge.
He said in addition to this pledge, the German government is also providing its contribution through European Union community.
Referring to the funds raised by German public, he said, the German people generated 161 euro ($215 million) and these funds are being utilized through NGOs.
He said Pakistani community in Germany was also active in generating funds for the flood affected people in Pakistan.
The German ambassador said, “Germany wants to stand with Pakistan in this need of hour.”
Replying to a question, he said, couple of dozens German NGOs are working in the flood affected areas and providing basic needs of life including clean drinking water. He said special “water treatment plant” has been imported from Germany to provide clean drinking water to flood victims.
He said so far 23 such plants have been provided in the flood affected areas. One such plant provide clean drinking water to 200 people per day and its cost is $700.
Answering a question about decision of EU council to give more concessions to Pakistan for more access to trade, the German embassador said there are many options still being discussed in this regard.
He said, “Germany will support Pakistan in getting more concession to access to European market” adding that Germany want to resolve the issue as early as possible so that Pakistani business community could get full benefit with delay.
Regarding giving direct assistance to Pakistan for flood affected areas, the German ambassador said, it is international practice to provide such assistance through United Nations and other international organizations.
He however clarified that 35 million euro from German is just humanitarian assistance, and added that Germany would ensure full help and cooperation in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process which will be started later on after the assessment of the losses in the flood damaged areas.
Courtesy www.app.com.pk