US aid package diverted for flood reconstruction

The US, UK, China and Saudi Arabia continue to assist Pakistan in ongoing relief efforts.

The United States plans to redirect part of its existing $7.5 billion aid package for Pakistan to aid in flood reconstruction.

US Aid Chief Rajiv Shah, on Wednesday, said that much of the spending was already earmarked for the energy, agricultural and water sectors, all three of which were affected by the floods. Shah said the United States would continue to urge nations to donate, but warned that other nations would only contribute money if Islamabad could ensure it would be well spent. He said the American government is so far impressed with the commitment of the Pakistani government.

Meanwhile, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank have also agreed to give loan worth three billion dollars to Pakistan.

Britain

The Pakistani community in Manchester donated over Rs20 million for flood affectees to Sahara Trust, welfare Organization of singer Ibrar-ul-Haq, while Britain announced that it would distribute six million pounds through UNICEF in flood hit areas.

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said Britain increased the aid amount from three million pounds to six million pounds.

Saudi Arabia

A Saudi plane-load carrying 77 tons of relief goods arrived on Tuesday night. The relief goods included dry ration, blankets as well as tents.

China

China announced that it increased its flood relief assistance for Pakistan by an additional nine million dollars. China has already contributed relief worth ten million dollars.

In the recent weeks six aircraft sorties have delivered tents, blankets, generators, water purifiers, food items, bottled drinking water and medicines to flood affected areas in Pakistan.

This assistance will help provide 10,000 tents.