Pakistan eyes US aid post-flood reconstruction

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday hinted at seeking financial support from the United States for the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts given the formidable challenge posed by the ongoing floods.

As many as 33 million people affected by the rain-induced countrywide floods. People have not just lost their homes but also their livelihood. Initial estimates suggest the damage could be $30 billion.

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Shehbaz told a senior aide of the US Secretary of State that Pakistan needed continued support, solidarity and assistance from the United States.

Derek Chollet, Senior Policy Adviser to the Secretary of State, met the prime minister Shehbaz, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and the Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The visit highlights the stepped-up engagements between the two countries in recent months. Diplomatic sources said that the crucial visit was meant to reset the ties. Since the visit took place against the backdrop of devastating floods, the focus was on the natural catastrophe.

“The Prime Minister underscored that rehabilitation and reconstruction would pose formidable challenges. Continued support, solidarity and assistance from the United States, a country with which Pakistan has a long-standing relationship, was crucial in this context,” read a statement issued here by the Prime Minister’s Office.

It is evident that Pakistan is looking at the US financial assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the flood-hit areas.

On behalf of the President Joe Biden Administration, Chollet affirmed that the US would stand by Pakistan in the wake of this immense challenge, extend vital support, and help affected people rebuild their lives and communities.

The prime minister thanked Chollet for visiting Pakistan at a critical moment when the country has been adversely affected by the most devastating flood in its history, with millions affected and displaced.

The prime minister added that over 33 million had been affected; more than 1,300 lives lost; and immeasurable damage was caused to agriculture, livestock, property, and critical infrastructure.

The prime minister also cautioned about the likely outbreak of water-borne diseases in the flood affected areas. Shehbaz underlined that the government was fully engaged in the rescue and relief efforts.

The prime minister underlined that Pakistan was committed to deepen and widen its ties, especially in the areas of security, health, climate change, trade and investment. He emphasised the need for a constructive and sustained engagement between the two countries, based on the principles of mutual trust, respect and understanding.

While highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change on our planet, the prime minister called for stepping up international efforts to meet climate goals, including mobilising climate finance to better cope with this challenge.

In the regional context, the prime minister stressed the importance of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, and called for unfreezing of the Afghan assets. He also emphasised the need for enhanced engagement with the Afghan authorities.

Underlining Pakistan's commitment to promote peace in the region, including with India, the prime minister highlighted the need for resolution of the long-standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute, as per the UNSC resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.

Derek Chollet is leading an inter-agency delegation to Pakistan from September 7-9, to reaffirm US support to Pakistan in the wake of catastrophic flooding and to reinforce the broad-based and enduring Pakistan-US relationship.

Chollet also met with Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, regional security situation and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed.

The army chief said that Pakistan desired to maintain this tradition of bilateral engagement and multi-domain enduring relationship with the United States. Both sides agreed to enhance the defence and security cooperation.

The visiting US dignitaries expressed their grief over the devastation caused by ongoing floods in Pakistan and offered sincere condolence to the families of the victims.

They offered USA’s support to the people of Pakistan at this hour of need. The dignitaries appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for regional stability and also pledged to play their role enhancing cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

The army chief thanked the US for the support and reiterated that assistance from “our global partners shall be vital in relief/rehabilitation” of the flood victims.

During the meeting with Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chollet underlined that the US was committed to supporting Pakistan in its efforts to deal with the devastation caused by the floods, the Foreign Office said.

The foreign minister thanked Counsellor Chollet for his visit at this difficult hour and appreciated the strong expression of support and solidarity by the US government. He also thanked the US government for US $31.1 million in relief assistance.

The foreign minister sensitised the US delegation that almost one-third of Pakistan’s territory was under water. He added that “although Pakistan contributed less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions”, yet the country suffered the severity of climate change.

Bilawal also underscored the need for the international community to step up their ambition in climate financing towards mitigation, adaptation, and resilience especially towards the developing countries.

(WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES)