Cash grant distribution: Germany provides financial aid to 300 flood victims

Recipients of financial support were identified in transparent manner

MULTAN: Germany has provided financial aid to 300 flood affected families of Southern Punjab who lost their houses and belongings during the floods in 2014 and 2015.

A local non-governmental organisation collaborated with Germany and supported flood affected people of Muzaffargarh through conditional and unconditional cash grants to help them rebuild their livelihoods.

For the purpose, the cash distribution ceremony was organised by the NGO in Muradabad and Taleeri Union Councils of Muzaffargarh District on Monday.



In the second phase of the project, 300 flood affected families and persons with disabilities received cash grants. The recipients of the financial support were identified in a transparent manner in consultation with the communities using vulnerability criteria.

The conditional and unconditional cash grants will help the flood affected people to start livelihood activities to meet their immediate and long-term needs.

The activity was part of a relief project which included healthcare and disaster risk reduction activities. The aim of the project was to support vulnerable flood affected families in district Muzaffargarh to ensure their recovery needs are met. It will also help the local community to ensure greater preparedness and resilience against future shocks and hazards through alternative livelihood initiatives.

Alarming statistics

Pakistan is sixth most populous country in the world. It is amongst those 15 countries where population of people over the age of 60 is more than 10 million. It is estimated that 7% of the total population of Pakistan is over 60 years with a figure of 11.6 million. This figure will rise to 43.3 million by 2050.

The provincial government has also formulated laws to protect the rights of elderly people in Pakistan. In this regard, an ordinance titled ‘Punjab Senior Citizens Ordinance 2013’ has been drafted by social welfare department in 2013. It was finalised after various consultations with different stakeholders, however it is still pending for approval by the Punjab Assembly.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2017.